Avanafil vs Other ED Drugs: Full Comparison Guide

Avanafil has been marketed as a fast‑acting option for men who need a reliable solution to erectile dysfunction (ED). But how does it really stack up against the older crowd‑pleasers like sildenafil or tadalafil? This guide walks you through the key differences so you can decide which pill fits your lifestyle, budget, and health profile.

• Onset: 15‑30 minutes (Avanafil) vs 30‑60 minutes (sildenafil) vs 30‑120 minutes (tadalafil)
• Duration: Up to 6 hours (Avanafil) vs 4‑5 hours (sildenafil) vs 36 hours (tadalafil)
• Common side effects: headache, flushing, nasal congestion - vary by drug
• Price range (US): $15‑$30 per tablet (generic) vs $10‑$25 (generic alternatives)
• Food interactions: Avanafil tolerates meals better than sildenafil

What Is Avanafil?

Avanafil is a phosphodiesterase type‑5 inhibitor (PDE5i) designed to improve blood flow to the penis, helping men achieve and maintain an erection when sexually stimulated. It received FDA approval in 2012 under the brand name Stendra, and a generic version hit the market in 2020.

How Do PDE5 Inhibitors Work?

All the drugs we’ll compare belong to the phosphodiesterase type‑5 inhibitor family. They block the PDE5 enzyme, which normally breaks down cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Higher cGMP levels keep the smooth muscle in the penile arteries relaxed, allowing more blood to flow in and produce an erection.

Key Players in the ED Market

Besides Avanafil, the most common oral PDE5 inhibitors are:

Sildenafil (brand name Viagra) was the first FDA‑approved ED drug in 1998. It’s well‑studied, inexpensive, and works for most men.

Tadalafil (brand name Cialis) offers the longest window of effectiveness, earning the nickname “the weekend pill.”

Vardenafil (brand name Levitra) sits between sildenafil and tadalafil in terms of onset and duration.

All three have generic versions that cost less than the brand‑name products.

Side‑Effect Profile Comparison

Onset and Duration - What Actually Happens?

When you take an ED pill, timing matters. Here’s how the four drugs compare in real‑world use:

1. Avanafil: Takes effect in 15‑30 minutes for most men, and can last up to 6 hours. Food has minimal impact, so you can take it with a meal.
2. Sildenafil: Usually works within 30‑60 minutes, but a high‑fat meal can delay absorption by up to an hour. Effects taper off after 4‑5 hours.
3. Tadalafil: Onset is a bit slower-30‑120 minutes-but the “window” stretches to 36 hours, meaning you might not need to plan ahead.
4. Vardenafil: Similar to sildenafil, with onset in 30‑60 minutes and a 4‑5 hour duration. Food can also slow it down.

Dosage Options and Flexibility

All four drugs come in several strengths, letting you fine‑tune the dose based on efficacy and side‑effects.

• Avanafil: 50mg, 100mg, 200mg tablets. Starting dose is usually 100mg; doctors may lower to 50mg if you’re on nitrates.
• Sildenafil: 25mg, 50mg, 100mg. The 50mg dose is the most common starting point.
• Tadalafil: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg. The daily low‑dose (2.5mg or 5mg) can be taken every day for spontaneity.
• Vardenafil: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg. Like sildenafil, the 10mg dose is typical for new users.

Cost Considerations in 2025

Price is often the deciding factor. Below are average U.S. retail prices for a 30‑day supply (generic whenever available). Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location (Australia, Canada, Europe have different reimbursement schemes).

Safety Flags - Who Should Avoid Which Drug?

All PDE5 inhibitors share some contraindications, but each has nuances.

• Cardiovascular health: If you have uncontrolled hypertension, recent heart attack, or unstable angina, any PDE5i can be risky. Your doctor should evaluate heart health first.
• Nitrate medication: Taking nitrates for chest pain combined with any PDE5i can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. This rule applies to Avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil.
• Retinitis pigmentosa or other rare eye disorders: Sildenafil and vardenafil have reported visual disturbances; avanafil’s visual side‑effects are less common.
• Liver or kidney impairment: Dose adjustments may be needed, especially for tadalafil (longer half‑life) and avanafil (metabolized by CYP3A4).

Which One Is Right for You?

Pick the drug that matches your lifestyle:

• Need speed: Choose Avanafil if you want a pill that works within 15 minutes and doesn’t mind a slightly higher price.
• Budget‑friendly: Generic sildenafil or tadalafil offer the lowest per‑tablet cost.
• Spontaneous weekends: Tadalafil’s 36‑hour window lets you be ready without timing the dose.
• Side‑effect sensitivity: Avanafil tends to cause fewer visual changes, while tadalafil may give you muscle aches.

Practical Tips for Getting the Best Results

1. Take the pill on an empty or light stomach for faster absorption (especially important for sildenafil and vardenafil).
2. Avoid grapefruit juice - it can boost drug levels and increase side‑effects.
3. Don’t combine with recreational drugs like poppers; the combo can dangerously lower blood pressure.
4. Talk to your pharmacist about generic options; they’re bio‑equivalent and easier on the wallet.
5. If you miss the window, don’t double‑dose. Wait at least 24 hours before retaking.

Bottom Line

Avanafil shines when speed and tolerability matter most. It’s not the cheapest option, but the quick onset and lower incidence of visual side‑effects earn it a solid spot in the ED toolbox. Sildenafil remains the workhorse for price‑sensitivity, while tadalafil dominates for spontaneity, and vardenafil offers a middle ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Avanafil with alcohol?

A small amount of alcohol (one drink) usually won’t affect Avanafil’s performance. Heavy drinking can blunt the drug’s effect and increase the risk of dizziness, so it’s best to keep intake moderate.

How does Avanafil differ from Stendra?

They are the same molecule. “Stendra” is the brand name, while Avanafil refers to the generic version. The brand often costs more but may have a more recognizable packaging.

Is it safe to use Avanafil daily?

Avanafil is approved for use as needed, not as a daily medication. If you need daily support, tadalafil’s low‑dose regimen is the only FDA‑approved option for everyday use.

Can I buy generic Avanafil online?

Yes, reputable telehealth services in the US, Canada, and Australia can dispense generic Avanafil after a licensed doctor evaluates your health history. Always verify the pharmacy’s credentials.

What should I do if I experience a prolonged erection?

Seek medical help immediately. A erection lasting more than four hours (priapism) can damage tissue. This emergency applies to any PDE5 inhibitor.