What is Avnafil?
Erectile dysfunction is treated with avanafil (ED: impotence; inability to get or keep an erection in men). Avanafil belongs to the group of drugs known as phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. During sexual stimulation, it increases blood flow to the penis, which is how it functions. An erection may result from this increased blood flow. Neither erectile dysfunction nor increased sexual desire are treated by avanafil. Avanafil does not stop pregnancy or the transmission of sexually transmitted illnesses like the HIV virus (HIV).
How is this medication to be taken?
Avanafil is available as an oral tablet. Avanafil is typically taken by men taking the 100-mg or 200-mg doses with or without food as needed, about 15 minutes prior to sexual activity.
Men typically take avanafil in doses of 50 mg with or without food as needed, roughly 30 minutes before sexual activity. Taking Avanafil more than once every 24 hours is not advised. Any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following, ask your doctor or pharmacist to clarify. Administer avanafil as directed by your doctor. Never take it more often or in larger or smaller doses than recommended by your doctor.
Your doctor will likely prescribe an average dose of avanafil; however, depending on how you respond to the medication, the dose might be modified. Inform your doctor if avanafil isn’t working as well as it should or if you experience any side effects.
Avoid using nitrate-containing street drugs while taking avanafil.
“Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking or intend to take.”
If you’ve ever received medical advice to abstain from sexual activity, had heart surgery within the last six months, or experienced an erection that lasted longer than four hours, let your doctor know.
Avanafil should only be used by men, as you are aware. Avanafil is not recommended for women, especially if they are, or may become, pregnant or nursing.
Discuss with your doctor how drinking alcohol while taking avanafil can be done safely. You’re more likely to experience avanafil side effects like dizziness, headache, a rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure if you consume a lot of alcohol (more than three glasses of wine or three shots of whiskey).
Inform the surgeon or dentist that you are taking avanafil if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
It’s important to be aware that sexual activity could put a strain on your heart, particularly if you already have heart disease. Call your doctor right away and stop having sex until they advise you otherwise if you experience chest pain, nausea, or vertigo while having sex.
Let all of your medical professionals know you are taking avanafil. The medical professionals who treat you will need to know when you last took avanafil if you ever require emergency medical care for a heart condition.
What specific dietary recommendations should I abide by?
If you plan to consume grapefruits or grapefruit juice while taking this medication, consult your doctor.
What side effects might this medicine have?
Side effects from avanafil are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right away:
- headache
- flushing
- back ache
Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms, or seek emergency care:
- a prolonged erection (more than 4 hours)
- abrupt vision loss in one or both eyes
- sudden loss of hearing
- hearing ringing
- dizziness
- rash
- itching
- enlarged eyelids
Other side effects of avanafil are possible. If you experience any unusual issues while taking this medication, contact your doctor right away.
After taking drugs that are similar to avanafil, some patients abruptly lost all or part of their vision. In some cases, the vision loss was irreversible. It is unknown if the medication contributed to the vision loss.
After taking other drugs that are similar to avanafil, some patients noticed a sudden decline in or loss of hearing. Usually, only one ear was affected by the hearing loss, and stopping the medication did not always make things better. It is unknown if the medication contributed to the hearing loss. Call your doctor right away if you suddenly lose your hearing while taking avanafil, sometimes with ringing in your ears or vertigo.
What should I be aware of regarding the handling and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Store it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom).