Avanafil Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking It

When you take Avanafil, a fast-acting medication used to treat erectile dysfunction. Also known as Stendra, it works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping you get and keep an erection when sexually stimulated. Unlike older ED drugs that can take an hour or more to kick in, Avanafil often works in as little as 15 minutes. But speed isn’t free—side effects are real, and not everyone talks about them openly.

Most people tolerate Avanafil fine, but common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and back pain. These aren’t rare—they happen in up to 1 in 10 users. Less common but more serious risks include sudden vision loss (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION), hearing changes, or priapism (an erection lasting longer than 4 hours). If any of these happen, stop taking it and get medical help right away. Avanafil also interacts with nitrates (used for chest pain), which can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. If you’re on any heart medication, talk to your doctor before using Avanafil.

It’s not just about the drug itself—it’s about how it fits with your body. People with liver or kidney problems may need a lower dose. Those on alpha-blockers for prostate issues or high blood pressure should be especially careful; combining those with Avanafil can cause dizziness or fainting. Even something as simple as a grapefruit juice can affect how your body breaks it down. The erectile dysfunction medication, a category that includes sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. Also known as PDE5 inhibitors, these drugs share similar risks and benefits. Avanafil isn’t necessarily better than the rest—it’s just faster. But if you’ve had bad reactions to other ED pills, Avanafil might still cause the same issues.

Some users report mild dizziness or upset stomach. These usually fade after a few doses. But if you’re noticing blurred vision, chest pain, or irregular heartbeat after taking it, don’t ignore it. These aren’t "normal" side effects—they’re warning signs. And if you’re over 65, or have heart disease, low blood pressure, or a history of stroke, your doctor should adjust your dose or suggest alternatives.

You’ll find posts below that compare Avanafil to other treatments, including Super Avana (which combines Avanafil with dapoxetine for premature ejaculation). You’ll also see how it stacks up against older drugs like Viagra and Cialis in terms of safety, speed, and cost. Some people switch to Avanafil because they want quicker results. Others switch because they had bad reactions to something else. Either way, knowing the side effects upfront helps you decide if it’s right for you—and when to walk away.