Phosphodiesterase 5A inhibitor
Avanafil is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It works by helping blood flow into the penis during sexual stimulation. It should be taken as needed, and it is important to avoid using it with certain other medications, especially nitrates used for chest pain.
How it worksAvanafil helps increase blood flow to the penis by blocking an enzyme called PDE5. This allows the natural chemicals released during sexual stimulation to work more effectively to relax smooth muscles and allow blood to enter.
Brand names:STENDRA
How to take
The starting dose is usually 100 mg taken about 15 minutes before sexual activity. Depending on how you respond, the dose may be adjusted between 50 mg and 200 mg. Do not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period.
Avanafil can be taken with or without food. Sexual stimulation is necessary for the drug to work.
Key warnings
- ·Do not use if you are taking any form of organic nitrate (often used for chest pain).
- ·Seek emergency medical help if an erection lasts more than 4 hours.
- ·Stop using and call a doctor immediately if you have sudden vision loss or sudden hearing loss.
- ·Avoid using this drug if sexual activity is not recommended due to your heart health.
- ·Using this with alpha-blockers, blood pressure medications, or large amounts of alcohol may cause dangerously low blood pressure.
Do not use if
- ·Use of any organic nitrates
- ·Use of guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulants
- ·Known hypersensitivity to any part of the tablet
Side effects
Common
Serious
- ·Erection lasting longer than 4 hours
- ·Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- ·Sudden decrease or loss of hearing
- ·Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Seek help if
- ·Erection lasting more than 4 hours
- ·Sudden loss of vision
- ·Sudden loss of hearing
Interactions
- ·Organic nitrates (such as those used for chest pain)
- ·Guanylate cyclase (GC) stimulants like riociguat or veri Ciguate
- ·Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like ketoconazole, ritonavir, or erythromycin)
- ·Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (dose must be limited to 50 mg)
- ·Alpha-blockers and other blood pressure medications
- ·Alcohol (especially more than 3 units)
Special populations
PregnancyAvanafil is not intended for use in females. There is no data regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant women.
PediatricAvanafil is not for use in children; safety and effectiveness in people under 18 have not been established.
GeriatricNo dose changes are specifically required for older adults, but some seniors may be more sensitive to the medication.
Talk to your doctor
Monitor
- ·Blood pressure
- ·Vision changes
- ·Hearing changes
- ·Duration of erections
Questions to ask
- ·Is my heart healthy enough for sexual activity?
- ·Are any of my current blood pressure medications unsafe to take with avanafil?
- ·Should I avoid alcohol when taking this medication?
- ·What should I do if I experience sudden vision or hearing changes?
Pharmacokinetics
Practical
OverdoseIn case of overdose, standard medical support should be used. Dialysis is not expected to help clear the drug quickly because it binds strongly to blood proteins.
Ingredients
Inactive
Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.
