Skip to main content
Free EU delivery over €110.00
Kam4eu

Active ingredient

Avanafil

Avanafil is the active ingredient in medicines used to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men. It belongs to the class of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It is the generic equivalent of the originally branded medicine Spedra (also marketed as Stendra in some regions). It helps men who have difficulty getting or keeping an erection adequate for sexual activity.

Reviewed by the Kam4eu Pharmacy Team on 21 June 2026 · Next review June 2027

Avanafil medicines we deliver

Browse the full Erectile Dysfunction range

3 generic Avanafil products — same molecule, different brands, formats and pack sizes.

How it works

Avanafil blocks the PDE5 enzyme so that cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) can build up, relaxing the blood vessels of the penis and improving blood flow during sexual stimulation. As with other medicines in this class, sexual arousal is needed for it to work. Avanafil is noted for its relatively fast onset, often beginning to work within around 15 to 30 minutes, with its effect typically lasting for a few hours.

How it is taken

Avanafil is taken by mouth shortly before planned sexual activity, at the dose advised by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, though a heavy meal may slightly delay how quickly it acts. No more than one dose should be taken in any 24-hour period. Always follow the patient information leaflet and the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

Side effects

Common (usually mild and temporary):

  • Headache
  • Flushing
  • Nasal congestion
  • Back pain
  • Dizziness

Stop and seek medical help if you experience:

  • A painful erection lasting longer than 4 hours (priapism) — seek urgent medical help
  • Sudden loss or decrease in vision in one or both eyes
  • Sudden loss or reduction in hearing, sometimes with ringing in the ears
  • Chest pain during or after sexual activity
  • Signs of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, rash or difficulty breathing

Safety & who should not take it

  • Must NOT be taken with nitrate medicines for angina or with nitric-oxide donors such as 'poppers', because of the risk of a serious fall in blood pressure.
  • Use with caution if you have heart or blood-vessel disease, or if your doctor has advised against sexual activity.
  • Tell your doctor about any liver or kidney problems, as a dose adjustment may be needed.
  • Caution is needed with low blood pressure and with alpha-blockers or other blood-pressure-lowering medicines.
  • Alcohol can add to a lowering of blood pressure and may increase dizziness.
  • Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may affect how the medicine works and are best avoided.
  • Not intended for use by women, children or anyone under 18 years of age.

Storage

Store in the original packaging at room temperature, out of the sight and reach of children, and do not use after the expiry date.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does avanafil work?+

It is one of the faster-acting PDE5 inhibitors and often begins to work within around 15 to 30 minutes, though this can vary between individuals. The patient information leaflet provides further guidance.

Can it be taken with food?+

It can be taken with or without food, although a heavy meal may slightly delay its onset. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise on timing.

How is avanafil different from Spedra?+

Avanafil is the active ingredient and the generic equivalent of the branded medicine Spedra; both contain the same active substance and work in the same way.

Important: This information is general and not a substitute for medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine and consult a doctor or pharmacist before use — especially if you have existing health conditions or take other medication.

Avanafil health guides