Avanafil: Fast-Acting Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Guide

Summary of Key Points

Avanafil is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It works by enhancing blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection. Avanafil is fast-acting and can be taken as needed before sexual activity. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or adjusting your dose. Our telemedicine providers are available to assist with managing your treatment.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Stendra (avanafil)

The generic name refers to the active ingredient, while the brand name is the marketed version. In this case, avanafil is the generic name, and Stendra is the brand name.

Pharmacologic Category

Avanafil belongs to the class of medications known as Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which are commonly prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Other medications in this category include:

1. Sildenafil (Viagra)
2. Tadalafil (Cialis)
3. Vardenafil (Levitra)

Avanafil Dosage

Avanafil is prescribed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and related conditions in adult men. Below are the recommended dosages for various conditions:

1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Impotence, Sexual Dysfunction, Male Erectile Disorder, Penile Erectile Dysfunction: The recommended starting dose is 100 mg, taken as needed 15-30 minutes before sexual activity. Based on effectiveness and tolerability, the dose may be increased to 200 mg or reduced to 50 mg. Do not take more than one dose per day.
2. Sexual Performance Anxiety, Reduced Libido, Age-Related Erectile Dysfunction: The same dosing guidelines apply as for ED. Start with 100 mg, adjusting based on response and tolerance. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your dose.
3. Vascular Erectile Dysfunction, Psychological Erectile Dysfunction: The recommended dose is 100 mg, taken 15-30 minutes before sexual activity. Your doctor may adjust the dose depending on your condition and response to the medication.

Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication. If you need assistance, our telemedicine providers are available to help manage your treatment.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Avanafil is available in the following tablet strengths:

1. 50 mg
2. 100 mg
3. 200 mg

Administration Instructions

Avanafil should be taken orally, with or without food, approximately 15-30 minutes before sexual activity. Do not take more than one dose within a 24-hour period. It is advisable to avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol, as this may reduce the medication’s effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects. If you have any questions about how to take avanafil, consult your healthcare provider.

Avanafil Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Like all medications, avanafil may cause side effects, which can vary in frequency and severity. Below are some potential side effects:

Common Side Effects (1-10%)

1. Headache: Mild to moderate headaches are a common side effect.
2. Flushing: Warmth or redness in the face, neck, or chest may occur.
3. Nasopharyngitis: Cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose or sore throat, may develop.

Less Common Side Effects (0.1-1%)

1. Dizziness: Some patients may experience lightheadedness after taking avanafil.
2. Back Pain: Mild to moderate back discomfort may occur.

Rare but Serious Side Effects (<0.1%)

1. Priapism: A prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
2. Sudden Vision Loss: In rare cases, avanafil may cause sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. Seek medical help immediately if this occurs.
3. Sudden Hearing Loss: Some patients may experience a sudden decrease or loss of hearing. Contact your healthcare provider right away if this happens.

If you experience any side effects, especially serious ones, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Our telemedicine providers are available to assist with any concerns or questions about your treatment.

Contraindications for Avanafil

A contraindication is a medical condition or factor that makes it unsafe to take a particular medication. If you have any of the following conditions or take certain medications, it may not be safe to use avanafil. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication, including avanafil, to ensure it is safe for you.

1. Severe heart conditions: If you’ve had a recent heart attack, stroke, or have severe heart disease, avanafil can put additional strain on your heart, which may be dangerous.
2. Uncontrolled high or low blood pressure: Avanafil can affect blood pressure, and if yours is not well-controlled, it could lead to serious complications.
3. Severe liver or kidney disease: Your liver and kidneys help process medications. If they are not functioning properly, avanafil may accumulate in your system, leading to harmful effects.
4. Allergy to Avanafil: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to avanafil or any of its ingredients, you should not take it.
5. Use of nitrates: If you are taking nitrates (medications often prescribed for chest pain), combining them with avanafil can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
6. Retinitis pigmentosa: This rare genetic eye condition may increase the risk of vision loss when taking avanafil.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Avanafil can interact with other medications, potentially leading to harmful effects. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Below are some medications that may interact with Avanafil:

1. Nitrates: Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat), Isosorbide Mononitrate (Imdur), Isosorbide Dinitrate (Isordil)
2. Alpha-blockers: Tamsulosin (Flomax), Doxazosin (Cardura), Prazosin (Minipress)
3. Other erectile dysfunction medications: Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), Vardenafil (Levitra)
4. Blood pressure medications: Amlodipine (Norvasc), Lisinopril (Zestril), Losartan (Cozaar)
5. Antifungal medications: Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Itraconazole (Sporanox)
6. HIV medications: Ritonavir (Norvir), Saquinavir (Invirase)
7. Antibiotics: Clarithromycin (Biaxin), Erythromycin (Erythrocin)

Avanafil in Pregnancy

Avanafil is not intended for use in women, including those who are pregnant. There is no clinical data on the safety of Avanafil during pregnancy, and it is not prescribed for conditions affecting women. If you are pregnant and have concerns about medications, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider.

Avanafil while Breastfeeding

Similarly, Avanafil is not intended for use by women, including those who are breastfeeding. There is no available data on whether Avanafil passes into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding and have concerns about medications, discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Estimated Cost of Avanafil

The cost of Avanafil can vary depending on the pharmacy and location. Without insurance, the estimated cost for a 30-day supply of Avanafil (Stendra) using a GoodRx coupon is approximately $60 to $80 for the 50 mg dose. Prices may fluctuate, so it’s a good idea to check with your local pharmacy or use a discount service like GoodRx for the most up-to-date pricing.

Possible Alternatives to Avanafil

If Avanafil is not suitable for you, or if you are considering other treatment options for erectile dysfunction, several alternatives are available. Always discuss these options with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. You can also schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers to explore these alternatives.

1. Erectile dysfunction: Other medications such as Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), and Vardenafil (Levitra) may be considered. Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking, can also improve erectile function.
2. Impotence: Psychological counseling may be beneficial if impotence is linked to stress, anxiety, or depression, in addition to medication options.
3. Sexual dysfunction: Hormone therapy, particularly testosterone replacement, may be an option if low testosterone is a contributing factor. Psychological support and therapy can also be helpful.
4. Male erectile disorder: Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) or penile implants may be alternatives if medications are not effective.
5. Penile erectile dysfunction: In addition to medications, penile injections or suppositories may be considered. Surgery is another option in more severe cases.
6. Sexual performance anxiety: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and relaxation techniques can help manage anxiety related to sexual performance.
7. Reduced libido: Addressing underlying causes such as hormonal imbalances, stress, or relationship issues can help. Medications or therapy may be recommended depending on the cause.
8. Age-related erectile dysfunction: Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, can improve symptoms.
9. Vascular erectile dysfunction: Managing cardiovascular health through diet, exercise, and medications to control blood pressure and cholesterol can help improve erectile function.
10. Psychological erectile dysfunction: Therapy, particularly CBT, can be highly effective. Medications may also be used in combination with therapy to address both psychological and physical causes.

Recent Updates on Avanafil Research

Recent studies have focused on the effectiveness and safety of Avanafil in treating erectile dysfunction, particularly in men with underlying conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A 2022 study found that Avanafil was well-tolerated and effective in improving erectile function in men with type 2 diabetes, a group that often experiences more severe erectile dysfunction. Ongoing research is also exploring the potential for Avanafil to have a faster onset of action compared to other PDE5 inhibitors, which could make it a preferred option for men seeking a more spontaneous sexual experience.

As research continues, staying informed about new findings is important. If you have questions about Avanafil or want to know if it is the right medication for you, schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers today.

James Kingsley

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