Avanafil: What It Does and How to Use It Safely

Avanafil is a prescription drug for erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s in the PDE5 inhibitor family, so it helps increase blood flow to the penis when you’re sexually stimulated. What many men like about avanafil is how fast it can start working — sometimes in 15 to 30 minutes.

Typical doses are 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg taken about 15–30 minutes before sex. Take only one dose per day. An empty stomach usually gives the fastest effect; a heavy, fatty meal can slow it down. Your doctor will help you pick the right strength based on health, other meds, and how well you tolerate it.

Common side effects and warning signs

Expect mild side effects like headache, flushing, nasal congestion, back pain, or dizziness. These often go away on their own. Stop avanafil and seek urgent care if you get chest pain, severe fainting, sudden vision loss, or an erection that lasts more than four hours (priapism). Those symptoms need immediate medical attention.

Key safety rules and interactions

Never take avanafil with nitrate medicines (like nitroglycerin) — that combo can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Be careful with alpha‑blockers and drugs that block CYP3A4 (for example ketoconazole, ritonavir, some antibiotics). These can raise avanafil levels and increase side effects. Tell your doctor if you have heart disease, recent stroke, very low blood pressure, severe liver or kidney problems, or certain eye disorders.

Limit alcohol when using avanafil. Drinking too much can reduce its effect and raise the chance of dizziness. Grapefruit or grapefruit juice can affect how some drugs work; check with your pharmacist if you drink grapefruit regularly.

Older adults and people with kidney or liver issues may need lower doses. If you’re on multiple medicines, carry a current list to appointments so your clinician can check for interactions. Also mention herbal supplements — some over-the-counter products can interfere with prescription meds.

Thinking of buying avanafil online? Use licensed pharmacies that require a prescription. Fake meds are common and can be unsafe. Ask the pharmacy how the product is stored and shipped, and check the expiration date when it arrives.

If avanafil doesn’t give the results you expect after a few tries with different doses and timing, talk to your doctor. ED can have medical or psychological causes and sometimes needs a different treatment approach. A short chat with a clinician can help you find a safer, more effective plan for your situation.