Even the most diehard of Viagra fans have to admit that its days are numbered. In the next few years, equally effective but much less intimidating alternatives will flood the market. Until then, though, there are still ways to enjoy the benefits of an ED drug without risking life-threatening side effects. One of the most popular alternatives is called avanafil (in the UK, it is known as Stendra). We rated it #4 on our list of top 5 ED drugs, right after Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. So, let’s take a closer look at it.
Active Ingredient:
A key factor that contributes to the effectiveness of avanafil is its active ingredient, which is the same as in Viagra and other ED drugs – sildenafil. However, whereas in most cases, sildenafil starts working in under a minute, avanafil takes about 30 minutes to begin with and its effects last up to 36 hours. In other words, the onset of action is much more gradual with avanafil, which provides added comfort to users. Aside from that, sildenafil is known to be pretty unstable when exposed to heat or water. Avanafil, on the other hand, is pretty stable and more easily dissolved in water, which makes it much more suitable for use with e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). As a result, it is generally regarded as the most promising generic alternative to Viagra so far. This is not to say that sildenafil is not effective – far from it. It’s exactly what makes avanafil such a valuable drug that its effects can be experienced for a longer period of time – even if it does require more frequent dosing than some other ED drugs. In most cases, users will only need to take it once or twice a day, but for some patients with particularly severe cases of ED, it may be necessary to up the dose to as often as four to six times a day. In other words, if you’re looking for a long-term treatment option that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance, avanafil is a good choice.
How Does It Work?
When exposed to heat or water, sildenafil is known to break down into smaller molecules that are more easily eliminated by the body. As a result, the drug’s effectiveness is gradually lost, which is why patients often have to keep topping it up. On the other hand, avanafil is believed to be more stable when exposed to heat or water, which means that its effects are more likely to be felt for a longer period of time. This has resulted in many patients being able to get by on a single dose, which some have even described as “pinching a pillow” to relieve stress or anxiety. In other words, it is a much better option for those who want to wait a few more minutes before engaging in sexual activity – or who want to have multiple sexual encounters that night!
Dosing Instructions:
Although sildenafil is fairly easy to get the hang of as far as dosing goes, it’s important to follow the correct instructions to ensure you don’t overdose and experience potentially life-threatening side effects. The active ingredient should be taken approximately 30 minutes before sexual activity – or at least 4 hours for the best results. For those who take it right before sexual activity, its effects will begin to be felt within 10 minutes and last for up to 4 hours. In other words, it is a good idea to take the drug approximately 30 minutes before you plan on having sex, so that you can still feel relaxed and ready for a good time. Some researchers believe that letting the drug take effect for a few minutes first can actually increase its effectiveness by stopping the blood from clotting and allowing more oxygen to flow to the genitals – which can help improve sexual performance.
It’s also a good idea to start off with a low dosage and work your way up. Many patients have found that half a dose taken at mealtime can help improve sexual performance – perhaps because sildenafil tends to increase blood flow to the stomach, which in turn affects the sex organs. However, it’s important to note here that just because sildenafil is effective for some people, it does not mean that it is the best option for everyone. The medication can cause irreversible damage to some patients’ genitalia, which is why it is generally not recommended for use by children or those with a history of heart disease or stroke.
Side Effects:
Like all medications, sildenafil is not without its side effects. Some of the most common ones include headaches, flushing, acid reflux, nosebleeds, diarrhea and visual disturbances. However, it is generally regarded as a safe and effective medication, which is why many patients with ED choose to try it. Because sildenafil tends to be more effective for some people, it’s important to do your research before starting treatment – especially if you have other options that don’t involve drugs. It is also important to remember that just because a medication is safe to use in one situation does not mean that it is advisable in all others. For example, some patients have found that sildenafil can cause fetal injury at high doses – even when used during pregnancy. So, if you are planning on becoming pregnant, it may not be a good idea to start using this medication. On the other hand, some patients have found that sildenafil can increase their sensitivity to light, which again puts them at risk of experiencing photosensitive reactions – especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight or artificial light sources such as street lamps or TVs with bright screens. So, it’s important to be aware of this when out and about in the evening or at night. Again, this is why it’s generally not a good idea to take the drug if you’re going to be driving a car or using other forms of transportation at night. This is also why it is advisable for patients to always bring a supply pack with them when traveling – just in case there are any delays or denials in receiving the drug at the pharmacy. In other words, it’s good to be aware of the risks and side effects so that you can take the right precautions when using this medication – especially if you’re going to be taking it longer than perhaps you should. In those instances – and especially for children and the elderly – it is always advisable to consult with your GP about other options before using sildenafil. (1)
As we’ve discussed, avanafil is a promising alternative to Viagra that currently lacks the publicity of its more famous counterpart. However, it is still under patent and many generic alternatives are already available. As a result, insurance coverage is generally accepted, which has made it easily accessible for all ages and sexual orientations. This is also one of the reasons why it is the most popular ED drug among those who use illicit drugs. It will be interesting to see how the general public votes it in the next few years as more and more people become aware of its advantages over Viagra – and in particular, how it effects those with a history of heart disease or stroke. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding a medication that works best for you and your body, while minimizing the potential risks – both short- and long-term. If you are someone who needs to keep their medication relatively stable and don’t want to get sick from lack of exposure, avanafil is a safe and effective alternative that may be exactly what you’re looking for – as long as you follow the instructions and precautions given by your doctor.