Avanafil for Erectile Dysfunction: Benefits and Effects on Sexual Health

Avanafil is one of the newer prescription medicines used for erectile dysfunction, designed to work quickly and with more targeted action than older options like sildenafil or tadalafil. Men often prefer it because it offers flexibility, spontaneity, and is safer, making it a practical choice for those who want dependable results without long waiting times. Avanafil helps men with ED by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, making it easier to get and maintain a firm erection. It works only when sexual stimulation is present, so it supports the body’s natural response rather than forcing an erection. Many men choose it because its effects begin in as little as 15–30 minutes and stay long enough for relaxed, unrushed intimacy. In this article, we’ll walk through what avanafil is, how it works, the right dose to use for ED, the avanafil 100mg price, and the important risks and precautions to keep in mind.

Avanafil for Erectile Dysfunction

Avanafil is a medication for erectile dysfunction that comes under the category of drugs called selective phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.[1] It is used as an on-demand therapy for erectile dysfunction. It does not cause an automatic erection, but it makes it easier for men to get and keep an erection in response to sexual stimulation. Avanafil is often chosen by men who want spontaneity in sexual activity without planning hours in advance. Avanafil has been evaluated in multiple studies(clinical trials):

• One study looked at men with ED who were given either a dummy pill or avanafil in doses of 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg about 15–30 minutes before sex. The men who took avanafil showed clear improvements and had higher rates of successful penetration and intercourse, and reported better overall erection quality. [2]
• Another study saw that in men with diabetes and ED, avanafil 100 mg and 200 mg improved erectile function and increased the chances of having successful intercourse significantly. [1]
• A larger review of avanafil found that many men taking 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg improved from moderate or severe ED to almost normal erections. These improvements happened without a big increase in side effects, making avanafil a well-tolerated option for many men. [2]
• Newer comparisons show that avanafil works about as well as sildenafil (Viagra), and in some cases, men reported slightly better erections and overall satisfaction. This may be because avanafil works faster and is more targeted in how it acts in the body, which we will look at in detail later. [3]

How Does Avanafil Work for Erectile Dysfunction?

Like other phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, it works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis so that more blood can flow into the erectile tissue (corpus cavernosum) during sexual stimulation. Let's look at how this happens briefly:

1. Sexual stimulation (mental or physical) triggers nerves in and around the penis.
2. These nerves release nitric oxide (NO), a key chemical that tells the muscles in the penis to relax.
3. When these muscles relax, it signals the blood vessels supplying the erectile tissues of the penis to also relax and widen.
4. This allowed more blood to flow through the vessels and fill the erectile tissue, improving erectile function and allowing a firm erection suitable for sexual intercourse.
5. The body also produces an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which naturally “switches off” an erection after sexual activity.

This is the basic process of how an erection happens. In men with erectile dysfunction, these events can happen too early or too quickly, making it harder to maintain an erection.

Now let's see how Avanafil helps men with ED:

Avanafil works by blocking the enzyme that causes an erection to fade too quickly. This helps the blood vessels in the penis stay relaxed for longer during sexual arousal. As a result, more blood can flow in, making it easier to get a firm erection when sexually stimulated and maintain it for the full duration of sexual activity. [1] Avanafil is more targeted than some older ED medicines, so side effects like vision changes seem to happen less often. [3] However, it is important to note that Avanafil does not cause an automatic erection. It simply makes it easier for the body to respond to sexual stimulation. It is an on-demand therapy, and not a hormone nor an aphrodisiac. Libido or sexual desire comes from the brain, not the tablet.

Avanafil doesn’t forced an erection; it simply helps the natural process work better. If your mind and body are in the right space, the medicine supports you, not the other way around.

Avanafil Dose Guide for Erectile Dysfunction

Here’s a quick, easy-to-read breakdown of how Avanafil is usually taken for erectile dysfunction:

Available strengths

50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg tablets

Starts working

15–30 minutes

How long does it last

Up to 6 hours

Usual starting dose

100 mg before sexual activity

Max frequency

Only one dose in 24 hours

• If 100 mg feels too strong or causes side effects, the dose may be reduced to 50 mg. If it works but isn’t strong enough, the doctor may increase it to 200 mg. [4]
• Avanafil can be taken with or without food, though a very heavy, high-fat meal may slow it down a little.

Special situations

Doctors may use lower doses or extra caution if:

• There is kidney disease or liver disease/liver problems (especially moderate to severe). [5]
• The person is already taking medicines that affect blood pressure or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., some antifungals, HIV medicines, certain antibiotics).
• The patient is older, frail, or has multiple cardiovascular risk factors. [5]

Avanafil should not be combined with other PDE5 inhibitors (like sildenafil citrate, tadalafil, or vardenafil), penile injections (intracavernosal injections), or over-the-counter erection gels and supplements (such as L-arginine, DHEA caps, Himcolin gel) without medical supervision, because the combined impact on blood flow and blood pressure is unpredictable. [5]

Avanafil 100mg Price:

• The price of avanafil 100 mg can vary widely depending on the brand, where you buy it, and whether it’s a generic or branded version. 
• In many Indian pharmacies, a strip of generic avanafil 100 mg tablets (4 tablets per strip) is priced around ₹250–₹450. 
• Some sellers list lower prices (e.g. ~₹180 per strip), while branded versions or imported products may cost more. 
• If you see prices that are unusually low (or from unverified sources), be careful, as that could indicate a risk of fake medicine.
•  Always use a trusted pharmacy or prescription-based service when purchasing.

Risks of taking avanafil for Erectile Dysfunction

Most men tolerate avanafil well, and serious adverse events are uncommon. Still, it is a powerful vascular drug, and doctors always weigh benefit vs risk, especially in men with cardiovascular disease.

1. Common Side Effects

Most side effects of avanafil are mild and short-lived. [5] These may include:

• Headache
• Flushing or warmth in the face and neck
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Back pain or muscle aches
• Indigestion or an upset stomach

These usually settle as the medicine wears off. If they continue or feel uncomfortable, a doctor may lower the dose (for example, from 200 mg to 100 mg or 50 mg).

2. Important Risks

A few side effects are less common but more serious:

Dizziness or Light-headedness

Often linked to changes in blood pressure, especially if taken with alcohol or blood-pressure medications. [5][6]

Vision Changes or Sudden Vision Loss

This may include blurred vision, colour changes, or very rarely, a sudden loss of vision (NAION). Men with eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa should use avanafil only under specialist guidance. [5][6]

Hearing Loss

Sudden hearing decrease or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) has been reported in rare cases. [5][6]

Priapism

A painful erection lasting longer than 4 hours. This is a medical emergency because it can permanently damage the penis if not treated urgently. [6]

Heart-related Symptoms

Chest pain, breathing difficulty, symptoms of a heart attack, or signs of a stroke are rare but very serious.

3. Use With Caution (Who Should Avoid It)

Avanafil should not be used, or should be used only with strict medical supervision, if you have:

• Nitrate medicines (like nitroglycerin or isosorbide dinitrate) or riociguat [5][6]
• Unstable angina, recent heart attack, recent stroke, severe arrhythmia, or advanced heart failure
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure or very low blood pressure
• Significant liver or kidney disease
• Blood disorders like sickle cell anemia
• Conditions like Peyronie's disease, which increase the risk of priapism

Always tell your doctor about any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or supplements you take.

4. When to Seek Medical Advice

Speak to a doctor before or while using avanafil if you have heart problems, diabetes, kidney or liver issues, or if you take medicines for blood pressure, chest pain, HIV, or fungal infections.

5. Get Immediate Help If You Notice:

• Chest pain, severe breathlessness, arm or jaw pain
• Sudden weakness, trouble speaking, facial drooping, loss of balance
• An erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)
• Sudden vision loss or major vision changes
• Sudden hearing loss, with or without ringing

6. Be Careful When Buying Avanafil

Buying avanafil from unverified websites can be dangerous. Fake or contaminated tablets are common and may contain the wrong dose or harmful ingredients. Always get ED medicines from a trusted pharmacy or a valid prescription service. Note: Always tell the doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements you're currently taking.

Conclusion

Avanafil is a fast-acting, well-studied ED medicine that helps many men achieve better erections, enjoy more satisfying sexual activity, and feel more confident overall. Clinical trials and real-world use show strong results and generally good tolerability when taken as directed. But it’s still a prescription drug with real side effects and drug interactions, so it isn’t suitable for everyone, especially those on nitrate medicines or with unstable heart conditions. If erections have been a problem for more than three months, or if ED is affecting confidence, relationships, or your overall sex life, it is worth talking to a qualified doctor or sexual medicine specialist. A simple conversation with a qualified doctor can help decide whether avanafil or another ED treatment is the safest and most effective choice.