Brand Name

Avana is marketed under the brand name Stendra.

Active Ingredient

Avana contains the active ingredient Avanafil.

Pharmacological Class

This medication belongs to the class known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Indications

Avana is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult males.

Mechanism of Action

Avana inhibits the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), enhancing the effects of nitric oxide (NO) by relaxing smooth muscle in the corpus cavernosum, leading to increased blood flow and an erection.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended starting dose of Avana is 100 mg, taken as needed approximately 15-30 minutes before sexual activity. The dose may be increased to 200 mg or decreased to 50 mg based on efficacy and tolerability.

Route of Administration

Avana is administered orally, with or without food.

Maximum Dosage

Do not exceed one dose within a 24-hour period.

Special Populations

Dosage adjustments may be necessary for elderly patients or those with renal or hepatic impairment. Not recommended for use in pediatric patients.

Contraindications

Avana is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Avanafil or any component of the formulation. It should not be used in men for whom sexual activity is inadvisable due to cardiovascular risk.

Drug Interactions

Concomitant use with nitrates or nitric oxide donors is contraindicated. Caution is advised when used with alpha-blockers, antihypertensives, or other PDE5 inhibitors.

Common Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and nasopharyngitis.

Serious Adverse Reactions

Potential serious adverse reactions include sudden vision loss, hearing loss, priapism, and cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or stroke.

Monitoring Parameters

Monitor cardiovascular status and any potential signs of adverse reactions. Evaluate renal and hepatic function prior to initiation in patients with underlying conditions.

Storage Guidelines

Store Avana tablets at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avana is not indicated for use in women. No data are available on its use during pregnancy or lactation.

Patient Counseling Information

Inform patients about the potential for significant side effects, particularly those affecting cardiovascular health. Advise against use with other ED medications.

Overdose Management

In case of overdose, supportive measures should be implemented, and symptomatic treatment should be provided. No specific antidote is available for Avanafil overdose.

Pharmacokinetics

The half-life of Avana is approximately 5 hours. It is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 and to a lesser extent by CYP2C9. Peak plasma concentrations are typically reached within 30 to 45 minutes of administration.

Patient Subset Consideration

Efficiency and safety in patients who have undergone radical prostatectomy are not established. Caution should be exercised in patients with anatomical deformation of the penis or conditions predisposing them to priapism.

Clinical Trial Findings

During clinical trials, Avana demonstrated significant improvement in erectile function compared to a placebo. Outcomes were measured using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire.

Cost and Availability

Avana is available by prescription at various price points depending on the pharmacy and insurance coverage. It comes in tablet forms of 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg.

Generic Availability

As of the last update, no generic version of Avana is available.

Legal Classification

In most regions, Avana is a prescription-only medication (Schedule IV in the United States).

Color and Shape

Tablets are typically yellow in color and oval in shape, with distinctive markings identifying dosage strength.

Manufacturer Information

Avana is manufactured by VIVUS, Inc.