Avanafil is an example of a highly specific PDE5i and has the potential benefits of providing good quality erections with minimal side effects. Studies done on the molecular binding of Avanafil have shown that it is 110-fold more selective to PDE5 than other PDE5 inhibitors. The additional benefit of Avanafil is the faster absorption of the medication compared to the other PDE5i. A faster absorption translates to faster onset of the medication, therefore with an absorption of 30 to 45 min makes it one of the faster acting PDE5i at the moment. One of the largest clinical studies for the medication involving 600 patients showed a significant improvement in erection quality at 100mg and 200mg doses.

Although more specific than other PDE5i, Avanafil does still result in the common side effects of the medication class albeit to a lesser extent. These side effects include headache, flushing and nasal congestion. Absorption of Avanafil is affected by fatty food with a 20% decrease in absorption which translates to a 1 hour delay in onset.

Avanafil is a good addition to the PDE5i class of medications that help men suffering from ED. Avanafil is only available with a Doctor’s prescription. Discussing your concerns with your attending physician can help you create a treatment plan to include Avanafil or the other PDE5i medications can help you achieve better quality erections and enhance your reproductive health.

References:

1. Mehrotra N, Gupta M, Kovar A, Meibohm B. The role of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy. Int J Impot Res. 2007;19:253-264
2. Goldstein I, McCullough AR, Jones LA et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of the safety and efficacy of avanafil in subjects with erectile dysfunction. J Sex Med. 2012;9:1122-1133