Viagra vs. Avanafil
See how Viagra and Avanafil compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Viagra and avanafil are both PDE5 inhibitors taken as needed before sex, but avanafil tends to work faster, sometimes within 15 minutes.
Viagra has been available as a generic for years, while avanafil has no generic version in the U.S. yet.
Both drugs carry the same core warnings, including a dangerous interaction with nitrates and caution for men with heart disease.
Viagra vs. Avanafil Drug Summary
Viagra
Viagra (sildenafil) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is taken by mouth as needed, usually 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity. Approved in 1998, it was the first oral ED medication on the market.
Avanafil
Avanafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor also used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is taken by mouth as needed and has the fastest onset among PDE5 inhibitors, working in as little as 15 minutes for some men. It was approved by the FDA in 2012.
Viagra vs. Avanafil Side Effects
Viagra
Avanafil
Viagra vs. Avanafil Dosage
Viagra
Avanafil
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 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 |
Viagra
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg as needed | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 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 |
Viagra vs. Avanafil Indications
Viagra
Viagra is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It works by relaxing blood vessels in the penis to improve blood flow during sexual stimulation. It is not approved for use in women or in children.
Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men
Taken as needed before sexual activity, not daily
Available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets
Not approved for women or pediatric patients
Avanafil
Avanafil is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction in adult males. Like Viagra, it increases blood flow to the penis to support an erection during sexual stimulation. It is not approved for use in females or in pediatric patients.
Treats erectile dysfunction in adult men
Taken as needed, often shortly before activity
Available in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets
Not approved for women or pediatric patients
Viagra vs. Avanafil Pros and Cons
Viagra
Viagra has decades of clinical use and is widely available as generic sildenafil, which often means broad insurance coverage. It typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to work and can be slowed by a heavy meal. Its side effect profile is well documented after more than 25 years on the market.
Pros
Available as low-cost generic sildenafil
Longest real-world track record, approved since 1998
Multiple dose strengths let you fine-tune your response
Cons
Slower onset, typically 30 to 60 minutes before sex
Higher reported rate of abnormal vision side effects
High-fat meals can delay how fast it works
Avanafil
Avanafil is the newest PDE5 inhibitor and stands out for its fast onset, sometimes working within 15 minutes. It has no generic version in the U.S., which can make it a pricier option without insurance. Its trial rates for headache and flushing were somewhat lower than Viagra's.
Pros
Fastest onset among PDE5 inhibitors, as little as 15 minutes
Lower reported rates of headache and flushing than Viagra
Food has less effect on how well it works
Cons
No generic version available in the U.S.
Newer drug with less long-term real-world data
Not recommended for severe kidney or liver impairment
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