Avanafil
Avanafil is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. It belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by enhancing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation to help achieve and maintain an erection.
Avanafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- G04BE10
- RxNorm
- 1291301
- Generic
- Avanafil
- Class
- atc-g04
- Brands
- Stendra
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
not indicated for women; avoid use during pregnancy unless clearly needed
fetal monitoring if used
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
not indicated for nursing women; discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug
monitor infant for adverse effects
geriatric
elderlydose reduction recommended
start with lowest effective dose (50 mg) due to increased sensitivity; monitor for adverse effects
monitor blood pressure and cardiovascular status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot applicable
do not use in patients under 18 years of age
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce dose to 50 mg, maximum once daily
use with caution; not recommended for patients on dialysis
monitor renal function and blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce dose to 50 mg
use with caution; start at lowest dose
monitor liver function and blood pressure
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
concurrent alcohollimit alcohol intake
avoid excessive alcohol consumption; may increase risk of hypotension and dizziness
monitor blood pressure when combined with alcohol
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor classification
FDA approval year
FDA approval date for Avanafil
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Brand name
Commercial brand name
Treatment of erectile dysfunction in adult men, helping to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity.
Blocks the PDE5 enzyme, allowing increased levels of cGMP which promotes smooth muscle relaxation in the corpus cavernosum and enhanced blood flow during sexual stimulation.
Only for use in adult men; requires sexual stimulation to be effective; contraindicated with nitrates or certain blood pressure medications; may cause side effects such as headache, flushing, or nasal congestion. Consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and prescription.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy