How to take Avanafil (Stendra) correctly?

What is Avanafil and how does it work?

Avanafil is a modern and effective drug designed to combat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It belongs to a group of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. Understanding Avanafil’s mechanism of action is key to its proper and safe use.

Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a condition in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including physical illness, psychological issues, lifestyle, and medications.

Avanafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. When a man is sexually aroused, nitric oxide is released into the body. Nitric oxide, in turn, activates the enzyme guanylate cyclase, which leads to increased levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP relaxes the smooth muscles of the blood vessels in the penis, allowing blood to flow freely and replenish the corpora cavernosa, which causes an erection.

The PDE5 enzyme that Avanafil inhibits breaks down cGMP. By blocking the action of PDE5, Avanafil helps maintain high levels of cGMP in the penis, which increases blood flow and helps achieve and maintain an erection.

It is important to understand that Avanafil does not automatically cause an erection. It requires sexual stimulation to work. The drug only enhances the body’s natural response to arousal.

Who is Avanafil indicated for?

Avanafil is intended for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men. Before you start taking the drug, it is important to make sure that it is really indicated in your case. Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of various diseases, so it is important to consult a doctor to determine the exact cause of the problem and choose the best treatment.

Avanafil may be effective for men with different forms of ED, including:

Organic ED: Caused by physical problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, or damage to the penis.
Psychogenic ED: Caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, or low self-esteem.
Mixed ED: Combination of organic and psychological factors.

Avanafil is not intended for use in women or children. It should also not be taken by men who do not have erectile dysfunction to “improve” sexual performance.

Contraindications to the use of Avanafil

Like any medication, Avanafil has a number of contraindications, in which its use is prohibited or requires special caution. It is important to familiarize yourself with these contraindications before starting to take the drug and inform your doctor about all existing diseases and medications that you are taking.

The main contraindications for the use of Avanafil include:

Hypersensitivity to avanafil or any other component of the drug. Allergic reactions to avanafil are rare, but can be serious. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any drug, be sure to tell your doctor.
Concomitant use with nitrates or nitric oxide donors. Nitrates are commonly used to treat angina (chest pain). Combining Avanafil with nitrates may result in a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Severe cardiovascular disease such as unstable angina, heart failure III-IV functional class according to NYHA, myocardial infarction or stroke within the last 6 months, uncontrolled arterial hypertension or hypotension. Avanafil may affect the cardiovascular system, so its use is contraindicated in certain heart diseases.
Severe liver failure (Child-Pugh class C). The liver plays an important role in the metabolism of Avanafil. In severe liver failure, the drug may accumulate in the body, which increases the risk of side effects.
Severe renal failure (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min). The kidneys also participate in the elimination of Avanafil from the body. In severe renal failure, the dose of the drug must be adjusted.
History of vision loss in one eye due to nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAIOPN). NAIOPN is a rare disorder that may be associated with the use of PDE5 inhibitors.
Inherited degenerative diseases of the retina, such as retinitis pigmentosa. The safety and efficacy of Avanafil in patients with these diseases have not been established.
Concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir, nefazodone, telithromycin, clarithromycin. These drugs can significantly increase the concentration of Avanafil in the blood, which increases the risk of side effects.

This list is not exhaustive. Always consult your doctor to ensure Avanafil is safe for you.

Recommended doses and method of administration of Avanafil

The correct dosage and method of administration of Avanafil are key to achieving maximum effectiveness and minimizing the risk of side effects. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations and the instructions for the drug.

Avanafil is available as oral tablets in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg strengths. The recommended starting dose is 100 mg, taken approximately 15 to 30 minutes before planned sexual activity.

The dosage may be adjusted by the doctor depending on the individual effectiveness and tolerability of the drug. The maximum recommended dose is 200 mg, and the minimum is 50 mg. Do not exceed the recommended dosage without consulting a doctor.

Avanafil can be taken regardless of food. However, eating fatty foods may delay the onset of action of the drug. For a faster effect, it is recommended to take Avanafil on an empty stomach or after a light meal.

The drug should be taken only when needed, approximately 15-30 minutes before sexual activity. Do not take Avanafil more than once a day.

If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose. Just take your next dose at your usual time if you plan to be sexually active.

Features of Avanafil use in different situations

The effectiveness and safety of Avanafil may depend on various factors, including age, the presence of concomitant diseases, the use of other medications and lifestyle. Given these factors, it is necessary to take into account some features of the use of the drug.

Elderly patients: In elderly patients, Avanafil metabolism may be slower, which may lead to higher blood levels of the drug and an increased risk of side effects. It is generally recommended that elderly patients start treatment with lower doses, such as 50 mg.

Patients with hepatic impairment: In patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class A and B), Avanafil dose adjustment is generally not required. However, in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C), the drug is contraindicated.

Patients with renal impairment: In patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance ≥30 ml/min), Avanafil dose adjustment is generally not required. However, in patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 ml/min), the drug should be used with caution and with lower doses initially.

Concomitant use with other drugs: Avanafil may interact with other drugs, which may affect its effectiveness and safety. It is especially important to avoid concomitant use with nitrates, nitric oxide donors and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. If you are taking any other drugs, be sure to tell your doctor.

Effect on ability to drive and operate machinery: Avanafil may cause dizziness and visual impairment in some patients. If you experience these side effects, refrain from driving or operating machinery until they disappear.

Alcohol consumption Concomitant use of alcohol and Avanafil may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, headache, and decreased blood pressure. It is recommended to limit alcohol consumption during treatment with Avanafil.

Possible side effects of Avanafil

Like all medications, Avanafil can cause side effects. Most are mild to moderate and temporary. However, it is important to be aware of possible side effects and to contact your doctor if they occur.

The most common side effects of Avanafil include:

Headache: A common side effect. Usually mild to moderate and goes away on its own.
Facial flushing Caused by dilated blood vessels. Usually temporary and does not require treatment.
Nasal congestion is also associated with dilation of blood vessels in the nasal cavity.
Dizziness: May occur due to decreased blood pressure.
Rarely, temporary vision changes such as blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light may occur.
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia): Rare, but possible.

Less common are more serious side effects, such as:

Priapism: A prolonged and painful erection lasting more than 4 hours. Priapism is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention because it can cause permanent damage to the penis.
Sudden loss of vision in the eye (NAPINS): Very rare side effect. If you notice sudden loss of vision, contact your doctor immediately.
Sudden worsening or loss of hearing. Also a very rare side effect. If you notice a sudden worsening or loss of hearing, contact your doctor immediately.
Allergic reactions: Rare, but possible. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. If symptoms of an allergic reaction occur, seek immediate medical attention.

This list is not exhaustive. If you notice any other unusual symptoms while taking Avanafil, contact your doctor.

How to increase the effectiveness of Avanafil and achieve the desired result?

Avanafil is an effective drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, but its effectiveness can be increased by following the recommendations and a healthy lifestyle.

Follow your doctor’s instructions for dosage and administration. Do not change the dosage or frequency of administration without consulting your doctor.
Take Avanafil 15-30 minutes before planned sexual activity. This will allow the drug enough time to start working.
Avoid eating fatty foods before taking the drug. Fatty foods may slow down the onset of action of Avanafil.
Limit alcohol consumption during treatment with Avanafil. Alcohol may increase side effects and reduce its effectiveness.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and getting enough sleep can improve your health and have a positive effect on sexual function.
Manage stress. Stress and anxiety can negatively affect erections. Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to reduce stress levels.
Maintain a healthy relationship with your partner. Open communication and emotional intimacy with your partner can help overcome psychological factors that contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Consider psychotherapy. In cases of psychogenic ED, psychotherapy may be an effective adjunct to medication.

Remember that Avanafil is not a panacea, but a means for temporary improvement of erection. For long-term results, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the cause of erectile dysfunction and develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes, psychotherapy and medication.

Storage and disposal of Avanafil

Proper storage and disposal of medicines is important to ensure their effectiveness and safety, and to protect the environment.

Keep Avanafil out of reach of children. Children may accidentally swallow the drug, which may be dangerous to their health.
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. High temperatures and humidity may damage the product.
Do not store Avanafil in the bathroom. The bathroom is often a damp place and is not suitable for storing the medication.
Do not use Avanafil after the expiry date which is stated on the package. The expiry date guarantees the effectiveness and safety of the drug until the stated date.
Do not dispose of Avanafil in the drain or trash. Improper disposal of the medicine may pollute the environment. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare professional about the correct way to dispose of unused or expired medicine.

The importance of consulting with your doctor before taking Avanafil

The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Before starting to take Avanafil, be sure to consult your doctor.

The doctor will be able to:

Assess your health and determine the exact cause of erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of serious diseases, so it is important to rule out other possible causes.
Determine whether Avanafil is indicated for you and whether you have any contraindications to its use. The doctor will take into account your medical history, existing diseases and medications that you are taking.
Select the optimal dose and regimen of Avanafil for you. The dosage may vary depending on individual needs and body characteristics.
Warn about possible side effects and interactions with other drugs. The doctor will provide full information about the drug and help minimize risks.
Develop a comprehensive treatment plan for erectile dysfunction that may include not only medication, but lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, and other methods.

Self-medication can be dangerous to your health. Trust your health to professionals and get qualified medical care.

Please remember that Avanafil is a prescription drug and should not be purchased or used without a doctor’s prescription.

This guide provides comprehensive information on the correct use of Avanafil, but always remember the importance of individual consultation with your doctor. Take care of your health and make responsible treatment decisions.