Avanafil Flushing: Causes, Duration & Relief

Takes less than 2 minutes to complete 100% online

How Common Is Avanafil Flushing?

Flushing is one of the more frequently reported side effects of avanafil, though it remains relatively uncommon overall. Clinical trials indicate that facial flushing occurs in approximately 3–10% of men taking avanafil, depending on the dose [6][11]. Higher doses (200 mg) tend to cause flushing slightly more often than lower doses (50 mg or 100 mg).

Compared to other PDE5 inhibitors used for erectile dysfunction, avanafil's flushing rate is similar to sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra), but may be slightly more common than with tadalafil (Cialis) [6]. The good news is that for most men, flushing is mild, does not interfere with the effectiveness of the medicine, and often becomes less noticeable with continued use.

It's important to remember that not everyone will experience flushing, and individual responses vary. If you do notice redness or warmth after taking avanafil, it's a sign that the medicine is working to improve blood flow—though this effect is not limited to the intended area.

Why Does Avanafil Cause Flushing?

Avanafil belongs to a class of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by blocking an enzyme (phosphodiesterase type 5) that regulates blood flow [6]. By inhibiting this enzyme, avanafil helps relax the smooth muscle in blood vessels, allowing increased blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This is how it helps achieve and maintain an erection.

However, PDE5 is not only found in the penis—it's also present in blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the face, neck, and chest. When avanafil widens these blood vessels, more blood flows to the skin's surface, causing the characteristic warmth and redness known as flushing [6]. This is a normal pharmacological effect and not an allergic reaction.

The intensity of flushing can be influenced by several factors, including the dose of avanafil, individual sensitivity, alcohol consumption, hot drinks, spicy food, or a warm environment—all of which can further dilate blood vessels and make flushing more noticeable.

Is Flushing a Sign of an Allergic Reaction?

Flushing alone is not a sign of an allergic reaction. It is a predictable side effect caused by the way avanafil works on blood vessels. True allergic reactions are rare and would typically involve symptoms such as a widespread itchy rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or feeling faint [12]. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking avanafil and seek urgent medical help immediately.

When to get urgent help

• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes—stop avanafil and seek urgent medical help
• Sudden decrease or loss of hearing, possibly with ringing in the ears or dizziness
• Chest pain during or after sexual activity—call 999 or go to A&E immediately
• Severe flushing with difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or widespread rash (possible allergic reaction)
• An erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)—go to A&E immediately

Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.

How Long Does Avanafil Flushing Last?

Avanafil flushing usually begins within 15–30 minutes of taking the tablet, which coincides with the medicine reaching peak levels in the bloodstream [6]. The redness and warmth typically last for one to three hours, gradually fading as the body metabolises the medicine.

Because avanafil is one of the fastest-acting and shortest-duration PDE5 inhibitors, its side effects—including flushing—tend to resolve more quickly than with longer-acting options like tadalafil, which can remain in the system for up to 36 hours [4][6]. Most men find that any flushing has completely disappeared within a few hours of taking avanafil.

If flushing persists beyond this timeframe or becomes more severe over time, it's worth discussing with your prescriber or pharmacist. Persistent or worsening flushing is uncommon and may warrant a review of your dose or consideration of an alternative ED treatment.

Self-Care Tips to Reduce Avanafil Flushing

While you cannot completely prevent flushing, several practical steps can help minimise its intensity and duration. First, consider taking the lowest effective dose of avanafil—your prescriber can help you find the right balance between effectiveness and side effects [6]. Starting with 50 mg or 100 mg rather than 200 mg may reduce the likelihood of noticeable flushing.

Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol before or after taking avanafil, as alcohol dilates blood vessels and can make flushing worse [6]. Similarly, try to avoid very hot drinks, spicy meals, or hot baths around the time you take the tablet, as these can all increase facial redness. Staying well-hydrated with cool water and keeping your environment comfortably cool can also help.

If flushing does occur, it may help to splash your face with cool (not cold) water, sit in a well-ventilated room, or use a fan. Wearing loose, breathable clothing can also make you feel more comfortable. Remember, flushing is temporary and does not affect the medicine's ability to help with erectile dysfunction.

Can I Take Antihistamines to Stop Flushing?

Antihistamines are not effective for avanafil-related flushing because this side effect is not caused by histamine release. Flushing from avanafil is due to blood vessel dilation, not an allergic process. Taking antihistamines will not prevent or reduce the redness and may cause unnecessary side effects. If flushing is troublesome, speak to your prescriber about adjusting your dose or trying a different ED medicine.

At a glance

When to Seek Medical Help for Avanafil Flushing

In most cases, avanafil flushing is mild, temporary, and does not require medical attention. However, you should contact your GP or pharmacist if the flushing is severe, lasts longer than a few hours, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing [6][12].

If you experience sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or sudden decrease or loss of hearing (which may be accompanied by ringing in the ears or dizziness), stop taking avanafil immediately and seek urgent medical help, as these are rare but serious side effects that require prompt assessment [6]. Similarly, if you develop chest pain during or after sexual activity, do not continue—call 999 or go to A&E.

Persistent or worsening flushing that does not improve with dose adjustment or self-care measures may indicate that avanafil is not the best option for you. Your prescriber can review your treatment and discuss alternative ED medicines that may be better tolerated.

Alternatives to Avanafil If Flushing Persists

If avanafil flushing continues to be bothersome despite trying a lower dose and self-care measures, several alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction are available. Tadalafil (Cialis) is a longer-acting PDE5 inhibitor that may cause flushing less frequently and is available both on-demand and as a low-dose daily tablet [4]. Sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra) are other options, though they have similar flushing rates to avanafil [3][5].

Your prescriber will consider your individual circumstances, including how quickly you need the medicine to work, how long you want the effect to last, and any other health conditions or medicines you take. All PDE5 inhibitors require sexual stimulation to work and are only supplied after a clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber [1][2].

At Cured Pharmacy, our online consultation allows you to discuss your symptoms and preferences with a qualified prescriber, who will recommend the most suitable treatment. If one medicine causes troublesome side effects, switching to another is often straightforward and can make a significant difference to your experience and confidence.

Non-Tablet Alternatives

If oral PDE5 inhibitors continue to cause side effects, non-tablet options such as Vitaros (alprostadil cream applied to the tip of the penis) or Caverject (alprostadil injection) may be considered [7]. These treatments work locally rather than throughout the body and may cause fewer systemic side effects like flushing. Eroxon is a topical gel medical device available without prescription that may also be an option for some men. Your GP or a specialist can discuss these alternatives if needed.

In summary

• Avanafil flushing affects around 3–10% of men and is usually mild and temporary.
• It occurs because avanafil widens blood vessels in the face, neck, and chest.
• Flushing typically lasts one to three hours and resolves as the medicine is metabolised.
• Taking a lower dose, avoiding alcohol and heat, and staying hydrated can help reduce flushing.
• If flushing persists or is severe, speak to your prescriber about alternative ED treatments.

Faq

Choose your treatment

Select from our recommended UK-licensed medications.

Answer quick questions

Select safe UK treatments. Quick answers.

Get it delivered fast

We will deliver direct to you as quickly as tomorrow.