Avanafil vs Viagra: Which ED Pill is Better for You?

Sildenafil-based oral tablets are the most commonly prescribed Erectile Dysfunction (ED) treatments globally. It was first approved under the brand name Viagra. It quickly became popular as the little blue pill. Then, in 2012, Avanafil was approved under the brand names Stendra and Spedra to treat ED.

Both prescription medicines work similarly and are quite effective in helping men achieve a firm erection during sexual stimulation. Viagra holds a well-established efficacy and safety profile of over two decades. On the other hand, Avanafil is a newer-generation medicine preferred for its rapid onset and selective action.

This Avanafil vs Viagra comparison blog explains the major differences between the two so that you can discuss the more suitable option with your doctor.

Avanafil vs Viagra: Key differences

Both medicines belong to the Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor class. By blocking the PDE5 enzyme, they help preserve cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) for longer. This relaxes penile blood vessels, increases blood flow during sexual stimulation and helps achieve firmer, longer-lasting erections.

While brand-name options cost higher, generic Sildenafil is 50-70% less expensive than generic Avanafil. Moreover, these ED pills differ in parameters such as onset of action, food interactions, and strengths, as explained below.

Now that you have an overall idea of these two popular ED pills, let’s compare these PDE5 inhibitors in detail on their approvals, appearance, efficacy and side effects.

Avanafil vs Viagra effectiveness

Avanafil and Viagra are both PDE5 inhibitors, with their effectiveness depending on the prescribed dose, correct timing, ED severity, underlying conditions, and individual response.

Viagra has been used for ED since 1998 and holds extensive clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness. Whereas Avanafil was developed as a more selective PDE5 inhibitor, meaning it targets the enzyme more precisely than older medicines in the same class.

A head-to-head clinical trial found that Avanafil was as effective as Sildenafil after 4 weeks of treatment. Avanafil also produced greater improvements in erectile function scores at weeks 8 and 12.

Choose Avanafil if you want a newer option with strong results, or Viagra if you prefer a well-established treatment option.

Approval status and uses

Avanafil received FDA approval in April 2012 and European Medicines Agency (EMA) approval in June 2013 for the treatment of ED. It is sold under the brand name Stendra in the United States and as Spedra in European countries.

Sildenafil, as Viagra, was approved by the FDA in March 1998 as the first oral prescription medicine for Erectile Dysfunction in adult males. Its active ingredient, Sildenafil, is also approved under the brand Revatio for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH).

You can choose between a newer on-demand option for improved erections and an older, more extensively studied treatment for ED.

Manufacturer and appearance

Stendra, the US brand of Avanafil, is marketed by Metuchen Pharmaceuticals. The tablets are pale yellow and oval-shaped, with dosage markings based on their strength. Moreover, its generics, such as Avana and Avaforce, are also available from WHO-GMP-certified manufacturers.

Viagra is manufactured by Pfizer Inc. Its tablets are widely recognized by their blue color and diamond shape, with the dosage strength marked on each tablet as VGR 50 or VGR 100.

Thus, Viagra is popularly known as the little blue pill and is easily identifiable by its distinct shape.

Onset and duration of action

Avanafil typically starts working in 15 to 30 minutes after intake. Its effects can remain active for around 4 to 6 hours, giving you flexibility for spontaneous sexual activity. Avanafil can be taken with or without food.

Viagra usually begins working within 30 to 60 minutes. Its effects usually last up to 6 hours, although the exact duration can vary based on age, metabolism, or liver and kidney function. High-fat or heavy meals can delay the absorption of Sildenafil, causing it to take longer to produce the desired effect.

You can choose Avanafil if you prefer greater meal and dosage flexibility over planned sexual activity.

Available strengths, dosage and cost comparison

Avanafil is available in 50, 100, and 200 mg strengths. The usual starting dose is 100 mg, but a doctor can adjust it based on effectiveness and tolerability.

• Brand versions cost around $50 to $70 per tablet without insurance.
• Avanafil generics can be bought for $1-$4 per pill, depending on the strength.

Viagra is available in 25, 50, and 100 mg strengths, with 50 mg commonly used as the starting dose.

• It typically ranges from $80 to $100 per tablet without insurance. Its higher price reflects brand status, approval history, and long-established market presence.
• You can buy Sildenafil generics like Cenforce or Fildena for less than $1 per pill, even without insurance.

Overall, brand-name Avanafil is a more affordable alternative to brand-name Viagra, especially for those paying out of pocket. However, generic Sildenafil is less expensive than generic Avanafil and is available more easily in both online and offline pharmacies.

Viagra vs Avanafil side effects

Avanafil and Viagra cause similar side effects because both belong to the PDE5 inhibitor class. They are usually mild and temporary, but they can seem more intense at higher doses and with alcohol or grapefruit juice. Common adverse effects include:

• Headache
• Facial flushing
• Nasal congestion
• Indigestion
• Back or muscle pain
• Dizziness

In rare cases, both can cause sudden hearing loss, chest pain, fainting, or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours. Seek prompt medical attention if any of these reactions occur.

However, Avanafil targets the PDE5 enzyme more selectively and has no reported cases of Ischemic Optic Neuropathy from 1998 to 2014. On the other hand, more cases have been reported with Sildenafil. This slightly more favorable safety profile of Avanafil is suitable for men who find it difficult to tolerate Sildenafil side effects.

Conclusion

Avanafil and Viagra (Sildenafil) are FDA-approved, prescription medicines for Erectile Dysfunction. Both belong to the PDE5 inhibitor class and improve blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. However, they differ in onset, dose range, food sensitivity, side effects and cost.

Avanafil usually takes effect within 15 to 30 minutes and is less affected by meals, making it suitable for faster action and spontaneity. Viagra takes around 30 to 60 minutes, but it holds decades of clinical data supporting its effectiveness and safety.

While brand-name Viagra and Stendra cost more, low-cost Sildenafil or Avanafil generics are available for as little as $1 per pill without insurance. The final choice between Avanafil vs Viagra depends on your symptoms, treatment response, timing preferences, and budget. Consult your doctor before starting or switching any ED medication.