What’s the Difference between Avanafil vs Sildenafil?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) includes medical conditions like problem in achieving a proper penile erection, maintaining the penile erection, reduced interest for sexual acts, or lack of energy for the same, or even problems in having a proper intercourse; which often becomes the primary reason behind many conjugal hostilities, and even mental depression. Such medical conditions may arise from multiple reasons, which are both physical as well as psychological in nature.
It is estimated that more than 30 million men per year silently suffer from such medical problems, and yet only about 2 lakhs seek help from a physician. Thankfully, by now, there are numerous FDA approved drugs available in the market that have been found effective in treating erectile dysfunction; though some of them might cause a few side effects among some people, hence a proper medical consultation is always advised before anyone takes up any of these drugs.
What is Avanafil?
Avanafil is a generic pharmaceutical drug that has gained much popularity as an effective medication for erectile dysfunction. This drug has been found to have significant selectivity of phosphodiesterase type 5 and a higher selectivity against phosphodiesterase type 1 and phosphodiesterase type 6. Stendra happens to be one of the most well-known branded drugs, as a form of avanafil.
What is Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is also a popular drug to fight out erectile dysfunction. It acts by inhibiting cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). It boosts up the blood vessels and greater blood circulation to particular areas of the body. Viagra happens to be one of the most well-known branded drugs, as a form of sildenafil.
Key Differences between Avanafil vs Sildenafil
| Parameters | Avanafil | Sildenafil |
| Nature of Salt | phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, | phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) |
| Erection Duration | 6 to 7 hours | 4 hours |
| Mechanism of Action | Works by inhibiting the effect of PDE5. This inhibition leads to penile erection due to the inflow of blood into the area. | Sildenafil has no direct relaxant effect on isolated human corpus cavernosum, but increases the effect of nitric oxide by inhibiting phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which is responsible for the degradation of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum. When sexual stimulation causes the local release of Nitric Oxide, inhibition of PDE5 by sildenafil causes increased levels of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in effortless muscle relaxation and inflow of blood to the corpus cavernosum. Sildenafil has no effect in the absence of sexual stimulation. |
| Dosage strengths available | 50 mg /100 mg /200 mg | 25 mg /50 mg /75 mg /100 mg |
| Timing of Consumption | 30 minutes prior to the sexual act | 30 to 60 minutes prior to the sexual act |
| Dissolution duration | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Side effects | The most commonly documented adverse reactions include back pain, nasal congestion, headache, flushing, and nasopharyngitis | Side effects by this drug are usually on placebo respiratory tract infection, back pain, flu syndrome, and arthralgia. In fixed-dose studies, dyspepsia (17%) and abnormal vision (11%) were more common at 100 mg than at lower doses. |
| Storage requirement | 20°C – 25°C | 20°C – 25°C |
Unique Similarity between the drugs Avanafil and Sildenafil for treating Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Most of pharmaceutical drugs for erectile dysfunction work by increasing the blood flow towards the penis area in a male body. The blood vessels get much dilated to offer a more rigid and prolonged erection, which helps in achieving proper intercourse.
Two of the most popular drugs for erectile dysfunction are avanafil and sildenafil, both of which are phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 5 inhibitor drugs. On entering the body, both of these drugs are responsible for blocking the phosphodiesterase enzyme and nitric oxide.
Which one is better: Avanafil vs Sildenafil?
Both medications have got their respective pros and cons. But so far having a longer duration of penile erection is concerned, avanafil clearly wins the race with a 6 to 7 hours capacity.
But although the duration of erection projected by Avanafil is on a higher edge than that of Sildenafil, it is purely a matter of individual requirement, preference, and most importantly suitability, considering the kind of adverse effects these are capable to inflict on different individuals.
Hence it is advised to only go with proper medical consultation from an authorized medical practitioner, before finalizing on any of these two drugs. The slightest of irresponsibility can cause much dreadful consequences to one.
Other Drug Interactions – Avanafil vs Sildenafil
Both of these salts are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors and have similar interactions with other drugs. Hence the following drugs should be avoided while receiving treatment involving either of these two drugs:
- Various forms of nitrates, such as isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket) and nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)
- certain blood pressure drugs, such as calcium channel blockers
- alpha-blockers, which can treat high blood pressure or an enlarged prostate
- certain pulmonary hypertension drugs, such as riociguat (Adempas)
- protease inhibitors, a class of HIV medications
- antifungal drugs, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole (Onmel, Sporanox)
- antibacterial drugs, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin)
Other related Medicines:
FAQs About the differences between Avanafil vs Sildenafil
Is Avanafil stronger than Sildenafil?
Yes, Avanafil is stronger then Sildenafil in terms of offering a longer penile erection; which can last upto 7 hours while that of Sildenafil can go upto 4 hours.
Does Sildenafil work similarly as Avanafil?
Sildenafil and Avanafil both belong to the class of PDE5 inhibitors and work similarly, although they might produce different intensity of results.
Can I get Avanafil without a doctor’s prescription?
Avanafil is a strong prescribed medication that can cause serious side effects if consumed without a thorough medical consultation. Hence a detailed diagnosis is advised before consuming it.
Is it safe to take Sildenafil?
Sildenafil is an FDA-approved medication to treat erectile dysfunction in men. Moreover, by now, numerous patients worldwide have already tried it, and have experienced positive results. Hence it is a safe medication indeed. However, it might demonstrate certain side effects in men who are allergic or if not following the right dose.
Is Avanafil an addictive medication?
Currently, there is no scientific evidence that avanafil, sildenafil, or any other medications used to treat erectile dysfunction are physically addictive.