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

Most common
headache (up to 16%)
flushing (up to 11%)
nasal congestion (up to 9%)
dyspepsia (up to 4%)

Avanafil

Most common
headache (up to 16%)
flushing (up to 12%)
nasal congestion (up to 10%)
dyspepsia (up to 12%)

Vardenafil vs. Avanafil Dosage

Vardenafil

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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