Avanafil: A Fast and Selective PDE5 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Avanafil is a modern drug belonging to the group of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors and intended for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. The drug is characterized by a rapid onset and high selectivity, which ensures efficiency and minimizes the risk of side effects.
Avanafil tablets what is it?
Avanafil is an active substance that is the basis of drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. It is available in the form of tablets for oral administration with different dosages (50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg). Avanafil is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) . This enzyme plays a key role in the mechanism of erection. During sexual arousal, nitric oxide (NO) is released in the male body, activating the enzyme guanylate cyclase. Guanylate cyclase, in turn, promotes the formation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP relaxes the smooth muscles of the cavernous bodies of the penis, which leads to vasodilation, increased blood flow and, as a result, to the occurrence of an erection. PDE-5 breaks down cGMP, stopping the erection. Avanafil, by blocking PDE-5 , prevents the breakdown of cGMP, thereby increasing its concentration in the cavernous bodies. This leads to a stronger and longer erection in the presence of sexual stimulation.
Key features of Avanafil:
- Rapid onset of action The effect can be felt within 15 minutes of taking it.
- High selectivity for PDE-5: Minimizes the impact on other enzymes (PDE-1, PDE-6, etc.), which reduces the risk of side effects on the cardiovascular system and vision.
- The drug is generally well tolerated by patients .
What is the composition of Avanafil?
Each Avanafil tablet contains:
- Avanafil: active ingredient (dosage can be 50 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg).
- Excipients (may vary depending on the manufacturer):
- Mannitol: filler and sweetener.
- Microcrystalline cellulose: filler and binder.
- Hydroxypropyl cellulose: binder.
- Crosscarmellose sodium: disintegrant.
- Magnesium stearate: lubricant.
- Silicon dioxide colloidal anhydrous: anti-caking agent.
- Dyes: May be added for identification (e.g. iron oxide yellow).
Who is the manufacturer of Avanafil and what is a generic?
The original drug avanafil is produced under the trade names Stendra by VIVUS Inc. (USA) and Spedra by Menarini Group (Europe). After the patent for the original avanafil expired, other pharmaceutical companies were able to produce generics – drugs containing the same active ingredient, in the same dose and having a similar dosage form.
Generics undergo strict quality control and must prove their bioequivalence to the original drug. This means that they are absorbed by the body in the same way as the original drugs and provide an identical therapeutic effect. Due to the absence of development costs and large-scale clinical trials, generics are usually significantly cheaper than original drugs.
Among the manufacturers of generic avanafil we can highlight:
- Sunrise Remedies Pvt. Ltd. (India)
- Centurion Laboratories (India) and others.
Why take Avanafil?
Avanafil is intended for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. ED is a condition in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Avanafil helps relieve the symptoms of ED by providing a stable erection when sexual arousal is present. The drug is suitable for men with different degrees of ED severity and different causes.
How to take Avanafil?
The recommended starting dose of Avanafil is 100 mg taken 15-30 minutes before expected sexual activity. Depending on individual effectiveness and tolerability, the dose can be increased to 200 mg or decreased to 50 mg . The maximum daily dosage is 200 mg. The tablet should be swallowed whole with plenty of water.
Important:
- Avanafil only works when there is sexual stimulation. The drug is not an aphrodisiac and does not automatically cause an erection.
- Avanafil is one of the fastest acting drugs for treating ED – the effect can occur within 15 minutes after taking it.
- Avanafil’s action can last up to 6 hours .
- Alcohol consumption may enhance the hypotensive effect of the drug, and grapefruit juice consumption may affect the metabolism of avanafil, so they should be avoided.
What are the contraindications for Avanafil?
Avanafil has a number of contraindications similar to other drugs in the PDE-5 inhibitor group:
- Hypersensitivity to avanafil or any other component of the drug.
- Concomitant administration of nitrates in any form (nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate, etc.).
- Concomitant administration of guanylate cyclase stimulators (eg, riociguat).
- Severe cardiovascular diseases in which sexual activity is not recommended (unstable angina, severe heart failure).
- Recently suffered a myocardial infarction (last 90 days).
- Recently suffered a stroke (within the last 6 months).
- Hereditary degenerative diseases of the retina , such as retinitis pigmentosa.
- Loss of vision in one eye due to non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAINO).
- Age up to 18 years.
- Female gender.
- Severe liver failure.
- Severe renal failure (creatinine clearance less than 30 ml/min).
Does Avanafil have any side effects?
Like any drug, Avanafil can cause side effects. Due to the high selectivity of Avanafil, the risk of their occurrence is lower than with other PDE-5 inhibitors. The most common of them are:
- Headache.
- Flushing of blood to the face.
- Nasal congestion.
- Dyspepsia (indigestion).
- Dizziness.
- Back pain.
Less common may include:
- Changes in vision (blurring, changes in color perception).
- Tinnitus.
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat).
- Increase or decrease in blood pressure.
- Swollen eyelids, pain in the eyes.
If serious side effects occur, especially those related to vision, hearing or the cardiovascular system, you should immediately stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.
Can Avanafil be taken with other medications?
Before taking Avanafil, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take , including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
There is a strict prohibition on the simultaneous use of Avanafil with nitrates, nitric oxide donors and guanylate cyclase stimulators .
Avanafil should be taken with caution from:
- Alpha-blockers (drugs for the treatment of hypertension and prostate adenoma).
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (some antifungals, antibiotics, HIV protease inhibitors).
- CYP3A4 inducers (eg, rifampicin).
- Other drugs for the treatment of ED.
- Antihypertensive drugs.
Who is recommended to buy Avanafil in the USA?
Avanafil is recommended for purchase in the USA for men who:
- Suffer from erectile dysfunction and are looking for a fast-acting and effective drug.
- Preference is given to drugs with high selectivity and minimal risk of side effects .
- They want to get a reliable result at an affordable price (in case of purchasing a generic).
- They appreciate the rapid onset of action of the drug.
Important: Avanafil is a prescription drug . Before purchasing and taking it, you must consult a doctor . The doctor will conduct an examination, establish a diagnosis of ED, exclude contraindications and select the optimal dosage. It is recommended to buy the drug only in licensed pharmacies or trusted online stores to avoid buying counterfeits.
Conclusion
Avanafil is a modern, fast-acting and effective drug for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, characterized by high selectivity for PDE-5 and, therefore, a favorable safety profile. Due to its rapid onset of action and effectiveness, Avanafil helps men regain confidence in their abilities and enjoy a full sexual life. However, like any drug, Avanafil has its contraindications and can cause side effects. Therefore, before starting to take it, be sure to consult a doctor and strictly follow his recommendations.