Vardenafil vs. Avanafil
See how Vardenafil and Avanafil compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both vardenafil and avanafil are PDE5 inhibitors taken as needed before sexual activity to treat erectile dysfunction.
Avanafil tends to act faster, with some men noticing effects in as little as 15 minutes, while vardenafil typically needs about 60 minutes.
Vardenafil is available as a lower-cost generic, while avanafil is brand-only in the US and its price can vary widely.
Vardenafil vs. Avanafil Drug Summary
Vardenafil
Vardenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It comes as a film-coated tablet or an orally disintegrating tablet, taken as needed about 60 minutes before sexual activity. Approved since 2003, it is now sold only as a generic in the US.
Avanafil
Avanafil is also a PDE5 inhibitor approved to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It is taken as an oral tablet as needed, with some men noticing effects in as little as 15 minutes. Approved in 2012, it remains available only as a brand-name product in the US.
Vardenafil vs. Avanafil Side Effects
Vardenafil
Avanafil
Vardenafil vs. Avanafil Dosage
Vardenafil
Avanafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 50 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 200 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Vardenafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Avanafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 50 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 200 mg as needed | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Vardenafil vs. Avanafil Indications
Vardenafil
Vardenafil is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. It is not approved for women, children, or pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Erectile dysfunction
Taken about 60 minutes before sexual activity
Available in three dose strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
Orally disintegrating tablet option for those who prefer not to swallow pills
Avanafil
Avanafil is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men by relaxing blood vessels to improve blood flow. It is not approved for use in women or children.
Erectile dysfunction
Can be taken as little as 15 minutes before sexual activity
Available in three dose strengths: 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg
Film-coated tablet form only
Vardenafil vs. Avanafil Pros and Cons
Vardenafil
Vardenafil has been used for erectile dysfunction since 2003 and is now available as a generic, which usually means more predictable pricing. It typically takes about an hour to start working and carries a few specific cautions not shared by every PDE5 inhibitor.
Pros
Available as a generic, offering more predictable pricing
Long-standing safety record dating back to 2003
Orally disintegrating tablet option for people who have trouble swallowing pills
Cons
Typically takes about 60 minutes to start working
Contains phenylalanine, a caution for people with PKU
Brand-name Levitra and Staxyn are no longer sold in the US
Contraindicated in patients with congenital QT prolongation or certain antiarrhythmics
Avanafil
Avanafil is known for its fast onset, with some men noticing effects within 15 minutes of taking it. Because no generic version exists yet in the US, its price can vary widely and it has a shorter track record than older PDE5 inhibitors.
Pros
Fastest onset of any PDE5 inhibitor, working in as little as 15 minutes for some men
Requires less advance planning before sexual activity
Does not contain phenylalanine, unlike vardenafil tablets
Cons
No generic version available in the US, so pricing varies widely
Shorter real-world track record, approved in 2012 versus 2003
Only available as a standard tablet, with no orally disintegrating option
Higher maximum dose (200 mg) compared with vardenafil's 20 mg
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