Vardenafil vs Avanafil: Speed & Duration Compared

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Key takeaways

• Avanafil works faster, typically within 15–30 minutes, while vardenafil takes 25–60 minutes.
• Both last around 4–6 hours and can be taken with or without food.
• Side effects are similar for both; individual response varies.
• Both require a prescription and an online consultation with a UK prescriber.
• Your choice depends on how quickly you need the medicine to work and personal preference.

How Quickly Do Vardenafil and Avanafil Work?

One of the most important differences when weighing vardenafil vs avanafil is the onset time. Avanafil is designed to work quickly, with effects often felt within 15–30 minutes of taking the tablet [6]. This makes it particularly appealing if you prefer a treatment that allows for more spontaneity. Vardenafil typically takes a little longer, usually around 25–60 minutes to become effective [5].

Both medicines belong to the same class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by increasing blood flow to the penis when you're sexually aroused [1]. Neither will cause an automatic erection; sexual stimulation is still needed. The faster onset of avanafil can be helpful if you don't want to plan too far ahead, but vardenafil's slightly longer onset is still relatively quick compared to some other ED treatments.

Individual response can vary, so what works quickly for one person may take a bit longer for another. Your prescriber can help you decide which onset time suits your circumstances best.

Duration of Effect: Vardenafil vs Avanafil

Both vardenafil and avanafil are designed for on-demand use, meaning you take them shortly before sexual activity rather than every day. Vardenafil's effects typically last for around 4–5 hours [5], while avanafil also lasts for approximately 4–6 hours [6]. This is shorter than tadalafil (which can last up to 36 hours) but still provides a reasonable window of opportunity.

The similar duration means that for many men, the choice between vardenafil and avanafil comes down to other factors such as onset time, side effects, and how the medicine interacts with food or other medications. Neither is designed to provide all-day or all-weekend coverage, so if you're looking for a longer-lasting option, you might want to discuss tadalafil with your prescriber.

Because both medicines are cleared from the body relatively quickly, you should not take more than one dose in a 24-hour period. If you find the effects wearing off too soon or not working as expected, speak to your prescriber rather than increasing the dose yourself.

At a glance

Food and Alcohol: Does It Make a Difference?

Food can affect how well some ED medicines work. Avanafil can be taken with or without food, and a standard meal does not significantly delay its onset [6]. This flexibility is one of its advantages. Vardenafil is also generally unaffected by food, though very high-fat meals may slightly delay absorption [5]. For most people, this means you can take either medicine around mealtimes without major concern.

Alcohol is a different matter. Drinking heavily can make it harder to get or maintain an erection, regardless of which medicine you take [1]. Alcohol also lowers blood pressure, and because PDE5 inhibitors can do the same, combining the two increases the risk of dizziness or feeling faint. It's best to limit alcohol when using vardenafil or avanafil.

Grapefruit juice can raise the levels of both medicines in your bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of side effects [5][6]. It's sensible to avoid grapefruit juice while using either treatment.

Practical Tips for Taking Vardenafil or Avanafil

Take the tablet with water, roughly 15–30 minutes before sex if using avanafil, or 25–60 minutes if using vardenafil. You don't need to time it to the minute, but allowing enough time helps ensure the medicine has started to work. Avoid heavy or high-fat meals immediately before taking vardenafil if you want the fastest effect, and keep alcohol to a minimum. Both medicines require sexual arousal to work, so they won't cause an erection on their own.

Available Strengths and Dosing

Vardenafil is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets [5]. The usual starting dose is 10 mg, taken about an hour before sexual activity. Your prescriber may adjust this depending on how well it works and whether you experience side effects. The maximum dose is 20 mg, and you should not take more than one dose in 24 hours.

Avanafil comes in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg strengths [6]. The typical starting dose is 100 mg, taken around 15–30 minutes before sex. Again, your prescriber may adjust the dose based on your response. The maximum recommended dose is 200 mg per day.

If you have certain health conditions or take other medicines, your prescriber may recommend a lower starting dose. For example, men taking alpha-blockers for prostate symptoms should start on the lowest dose of either medicine to reduce the risk of low blood pressure [5][6]. Never adjust your dose without consulting your prescriber.

Side Effects: What to Expect from Vardenafil and Avanafil

Both vardenafil and avanafil share similar side effects because they work in the same way. Common side effects include headache, flushing (warmth or redness in the face), nasal congestion, and indigestion [5][6]. These are usually mild and short-lived. Some men also report dizziness or back pain.

Less common but more serious side effects include sudden vision or hearing loss, chest pain during sex, or an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism). If any of these occur, seek urgent medical help [5][6]. Sudden vision loss has been linked to a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which is rare but serious.

In clinical trials, avanafil was associated with a slightly lower rate of some side effects compared to older PDE5 inhibitors, though individual experiences vary [11]. If you find one medicine causes troublesome side effects, switching to the other (under prescriber guidance) may help.

Who Should Avoid Vardenafil or Avanafil?

Neither medicine is suitable if you take nitrates (such as GTN spray or isosorbide mononitrate) for angina, nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs called 'poppers' (alkyl nitrites). Combining these with a PDE5 inhibitor can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [5][6]. You should also avoid these medicines if you've had a recent heart attack or stroke, have severe heart failure, very low blood pressure, or a history of sudden vision loss (NAION). Your prescriber will check your full medical history and current medicines during the consultation.

Which Is Right for You: Vardenafil or Avanafil?

There is no single 'best' choice when comparing vardenafil vs avanafil; it depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Avanafil's faster onset (15–30 minutes) may suit you if spontaneity is important, while vardenafil's 25–60 minute onset is still relatively quick and may be perfectly adequate. Both last a similar amount of time (around 4–6 hours), so duration is unlikely to be the deciding factor.

Cost can also play a role. At Cured Pharmacy, vardenafil is priced at £16.95 (or £13.56 for your first order with code Ednew), while Spedra (avanafil) costs £20.95 (or £16.76 with the same code). If budget is a consideration, vardenafil is slightly less expensive, though both are more costly than sildenafil or tadalafil.

Your prescriber will consider your medical history, other medicines you take, and any previous experience with ED treatments. If you've tried one and found it didn't work well or caused side effects, the other may be worth exploring. Some men find that switching between different PDE5 inhibitors helps them find the best fit. Remember, all ED treatments require a prescription and an online consultation with a UK-registered prescriber before they can be supplied.

When to See Your GP

If you're experiencing ED for the first time, it's important to see your GP. Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of underlying health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure [1][2]. Your GP can arrange tests, discuss lifestyle changes, and refer you to a specialist if needed. Online pharmacies like Cured Pharmacy can provide convenient access to treatment once a diagnosis is established, but a face-to-face assessment is valuable for new or worsening symptoms.

When to get urgent help

• Erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism) – go to A&E immediately.
• Sudden loss of vision or hearing – seek urgent medical attention.
• Chest pain during or after sex – call 999; do not take more medicine.
• Severe dizziness or fainting – stop the medicine and see a doctor the same day.

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