Avana (avanafil) is a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, better known as a PDE5 inhibitor, used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The medication ultimately improves blood flow to the penis, which makes an erection possible. These effects are only temporary, however; Avana is not a cure for ED.

This medication comes in tablets of 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg strengths. Unlike most ED treatments in tablet form, Avana begins working quickly---the majority of men can achieve an erection within 15 minutes of administration, compared to the 30 to 60 minutes associated with other tablets.

Another advantage of Avana is that it can be taken with a moderate amount of alcohol; other ED treatments strongly advise avoiding alcohol consumption.

Like all PDE5 inhibitors, however, Avana does have some drawbacks:

• All PDE5 inhibitors will lower blood pressure to some extent. This can be a concern for men with low blood pressure or who are taking antihypertensive medications.
• PDE5 inhibitors can interact severely with nitrate medications. Nitrates are predominantly used to treat angina, and are also used recreationally.
• PDE5 inhibitors may cause complications in men who have had a recent heart attack or stroke, have coronary artery disease, or congestive heart failure.

Effects of Avana last around 6 hours, longer than Viagra's relatively short 4-hour average but not as long as the 24-36 hour average associated with Cialis.

Taking Avana

Avana tablets should be taken around 15 minutes prior to anticipated sexual activity. Food is optional, but fatty foods may interfere with absorption, rendering the medication less effective.

Unlike other PDE5 inhibitors, Avana may be taken with alcohol. Men are advised not to exceed moderate amounts of alcohol; 3 glasses of wine or 3 beers or 3 shots of liquor, or some combination thereof.

Otherwise healthy men taking Avana for the first time should start with 100 mg doses unless instructed otherwise by a doctor. Men who do not get sufficient results from 100 mg may increase dosage to 200 mg, assuming no side effects were experienced.

Men who have preexisting conditions or who are taking certain other medications will likely be started on 50 mg and are strongly advised to consult a doctor prior to taking Avana. Likewise men who experience adverse effects on 100 mg should try 50 mg doses instead. 50 mg doses should be taken 30 minutes prior to intimacy.

In other words:

• If taking 100 or 200 mg doses, take a tablet about 15 minutes prior to intimacy.
• If taking a 50 mg dose, take a tablet about 30 minutes prior to intimacy.
• Effects last around 6 hours.

More than one dose of Avanafil should not be taken in 24 hours. A doctor may advise less frequent dosing for men with preexisting conditions or who experience side effects.

Some stimulation is required to form an erection even if Avana has been taken; the medication is not an aphrodisiac and will not increase desire.

Warnings & Side Effects

Most side effects associated with Avana are mild and not cause for concern unless severe or persistant:

• Headache
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Flushing
• Back pain

Men with certain preexisting conditions are at greater risk of experiencing serious side effects and may be poor candidates for this medication or any PDE5 inhibitor. Conditions of concern include:

• Significantly low or high blood pressure
• Heart, liver or kidney problems
• Any blood cell or bleeding disorders
• Any vision or hearing disorders
• Penile implants or physical abnormalities

Men should take care to avoid mixing Avana with other medications, including those used recreationally. Other medications that should be discussed with a doctor include:

• Nitrates
• Protease inhibitors
• Alpha-blockers
• High blood pressure treatments
• Antibiotics
• Antifungal medications
• Guanylate cyclase stimulators

Avana is not intended for use in women or in young men who have not yet reached sexual maturity.

Other Options

There are many other ED treatments available, all of which have their pros and cons. Similar treatments include:

• Sildenafil, better known as Viagra, is another PDE5 inhibitor available in tablets, which work in about 30 minutes, or a faster-acting jelly, which works in about 15 minutes. Effects last about 3 or 4 hours.
• Tadalafil, better known as Cialis, is also a PDE5 inhibitor available in tablets, which work in about 30 minutes, or a jelly, which works in about 15 minutes. Effects last an impressive 36 hours.
• Vardenafil, better known as Levitra, is still another PDE5 inhibitor. Available in tablets, it starts working in about 30 minutes and effects last 4 or 5 hours.
• Alprostadil, better known as Vitaros, is a prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), or a vasodilator. It can be applied to the penis as a cream, a penile suppository, or by injection. It begins working in about 5 minutes and effects last 1 or 2 hours.

There are more than those above, but the above are the most popular and give a good idea of what's on the market.