Avanafil

When should one not use Avanafil

• If you are allergic to avanafil or any of the other ingredients of Avanafil.
• If you are taking nitrate medicines or nitric oxide donors (such as amyl nitrite) for chest pain or heart problems.
• If you are taking medicines like riociguat, you should not use them together, as they can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• If you have had a heart attack, stroke, or serious heart rhythm problem in the last 6 months.
• If you have very low blood pressure or very high uncontrolled blood pressure.
• If you have unstable chest pain, chest pain during sexual activity, or moderate to severe heart failure.
• If you have severe liver disease.
• If you have severe kidney problems.
• If you have ever lost vision in one eye due to a condition called NAION.
• If you have inherited retinal diseases.
• If you are taking strong medicines that affect drug breakdown in the body, such as ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, or similar medicines.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Headache
• Flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Dizziness
• Somnolence
• Sinus headache

Other General Warnings

• You have heart problems or have been advised to avoid sexual activity, as sexual activity and Avanafil can put extra strain on the heart.
• You take medicines for chest pain, such as nitrates, as using them with Avanafil can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• You have conditions affecting the heart valves or heart muscle, which may increase your sensitivity to blood pressure changes.
• You experience an erection lasting more than 4 hours, as this needs urgent medical attention to prevent long-term damage.
• You have physical conditions affecting the shape of the male reproductive organ or blood disorders that increase the risk of prolonged erections.
• You notice sudden changes in vision, blurred vision, or loss of vision, and should stop taking the medicine immediately.
• You have bleeding problems or active stomach ulcers, as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
• You experience a sudden decrease or loss of hearing, ringing in the ears, or dizziness after taking the medicine.
• You are taking medicines called alpha-blockers for blood pressure or prostate problems, as combining them with Avanafil may cause low blood pressure.
• You are taking strong antifungal or antiviral medicines, as they may interact with avanafil.
• You are using other medicines or treatments for erectile dysfunction, as combining them may be unsafe.
• You drink alcohol regularly, as alcohol can increase the risk of dizziness, fainting, or low blood pressure while taking Avanafil.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Medicines called nitrates or nitric oxide donors (used for chest pain) must not be used with Avanafil as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
• Medicines that lower blood pressure may have an added effect with Avanafil, leading to dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting.
• Certain heart conditions, such as aortic stenosis or poor blood pressure control, may increase sensitivity to blood pressure changes with Avanafil.
• Alpha-blockers used for prostate problems or blood pressure can increase the risk of low blood pressure when combined with Avanafil, especially on standing.
• Other antihypertensive medications (such as amlodipine or enalapril) may cause a modest additional reduction in blood pressure when taken with Avanafil.
• Alcohol can increase the risk of dizziness, low blood pressure, or fainting when taken with Avanafil.
• Using other treatments for erectile dysfunction together with Avanafil is not recommended due to safety concerns.
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin) can markedly increase Avanafil levels and should not be used concomitantly.
• Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as erythromycin, diltiazem, fluconazole) may require dose adjustment of Avanafil.
• Grapefruit juice may increase Avanafil levels and should be avoided around the time of dosing.
• CYP3A4 inducers (such as rifampicin or carbamazepine) may reduce the effectiveness of Avanafil.
• Riociguat must not be used with Avanafil due to a high risk of severe hypotension.

Interactions with food items

• Avanafil can be taken with or without food.
• Heavy or fatty meals may slightly delay the onset of action in some people.
• Grapefruit or grapefruit juice may increase the level of Avanafil in the body and should be avoided around the time of taking it.
• Alcohol taken with meals can increase the risk of dizziness or low blood pressure when using Avanafil.

Overdose

Missed a Dose