Comparing the effectiveness and safety of avanafil and sildenafil for the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction.

This study compared the effectiveness and safety of avanafil (Stendra) with sildenafil (Viagra) for the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The data showed that avanafil had higher effectiveness compared to sildenafil in improving the symptoms of ED after 12 weeks.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects around 50% of men between 40 and 70 years. It consists of the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough to have sex. It usually has a physical cause such as disease, injury, or side effects of drugs. An erection occurs when the blood flow into the penis increases, making the penis larger and firmer. An event that disrupts this will prevent an erection from happening. This has a negative impact on the quality of life of men.

Nitric oxide is essential for an erection. In patients with ED, this substance might not be present in enough amounts. The standard primary treatment is with phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and avanafil have been shown to improve ED symptoms. These drugs stop the action of nitric oxide inhibitors by increasing the blood flow to the penis and helping to maintain an erection. However, the effectiveness and safety of avanafil compared to sildenafil for the treatment of patients with ED are still unknown.

This study involved 220 patients with ED. Patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group 1 included 111 patients who received avanafil tablets (100 mg). Group 2 included 109 patients who received sildenafil tablets (50 mg). The patients were followed up for 12 weeks. Erectile function was evaluated through a standardized International Index of Erectile Function domain (IIEF-EF) questionnaire.

After 4 weeks of treatment, the dose was increased in 40% of the patients in group 1 (avanafil 200 mg) and in 45.6% of the patients in group 2 (sildenafil 100 mg).

The average total IIEF scores improved in both groups from the start of the treatment. There was a slightly higher improvement in group 1 compared to group 2 at weeks 8 and 12.

After 12 weeks, 84.8% of patients in group 1 achieved at least some erection within 15 minutes of taking avanafil compared to 28.2% of patients in group 2 who received sildenafil.

There were no serious side effects reported in either group. The most common side effect was headaches in both groups.

This study concluded that avanafil had higher effectiveness compared to sildenafil in improving the symptoms of patients with ED after 12 weeks.

This study was funded by Zydus Healthcare Limited, the manufacturer of avanafil. The sample size was very small. This study only included patients from India.