Unknown Manufacturer • Avanafil is indicated for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Avanafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction.
Avanafil inhibits the cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) which is responsible for the degradation of cGMP in the corpus cavernosum located around the penis. Sexual arousal results in the local release of nitric oxide, which in turn stimulates the enzyme guanylate cyclase to produce cGMP. Elevated levels of cGMP result in local smooth muscle relaxation and increased blood flow to the penis (i.e. an erection). As PDE5 inhibitors like avanafil require the endogenous release of nitric oxide in order to exert their pharmacologic effect, they have no effect on the user in the absence of sexual stimulation/arousal.
