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What is Spedra Tablets?

Medicine Type  Phosphodiester type 5 inhibitor (PDE-5) 
Mechanism of Action Promotes blood flow toward the penis, leading to the ability to get and maintain an erection
Active Ingredient Avanafil
Effective Within 20 minutes
Pack Size 4-16 tablets
Strength 50mg, 100mg, 200mg

Overview

What is Spedra and how does it work?

Active Ingredient 
  • Avanafil
How long is it effective for?
  • 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg tablets can last up to 4-5 hours, depending on the individual.
Side effects
  • Nasal congestion
  • Diarrahoea
  • Headache
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Flushing
Interactions with other medications
  • Alpha-blockers
  • Pulmonary arterial hypertension medicine
  • Nitrates
  • Some Antibiotics
  • Some HIV treatments
  • Other PDE5 inhibitors
Cost
  • Starting from £28.99

Spedra is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. Spedra contains the active ingredient Avanafil and is available in 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg tablets. 

Erectile dysfunction or impotence is the inability to get or maintain an erection when sexually aroused. In most cases, this is caused by not enough blood reaching and staying in the penis. Spedra works by promoting blood flow (widening the blood vessel) towards the penis. 

It is important always to use medication exactly as prescribed by your pharmacist or GP. 

How long does Spedra last?

When taking Spedra for ED, each dose can help you achieve an erection when sexually stimulated over a 4-6 hour period. 

The dose prescribed to you is dependent on various factors, including your age, underlying health conditions, and medications that you are taking. The typical starting dose for Spedra is 100mg, however, your GP or pharmacist will adjust the dose as you need. 

Can you buy Spedra over the counter? 

No, Spedra can only be bought in the UK with a prescription. You may be able to get a prescription for Spedra online once you have filled out a short questionnaire and had a consultation with an online pharmacist at Online Mens Clinic. 

Spedra medication alternatives 

While, Spedra is one of the most popular medications in the UK, for ED, it may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, it is beneficial to consider other ED medications. 


During your online consultation with a Online Mens Clinic Pharmacist, alternatives may be suggested, such as: 

 

ED Medication (prices start from) 4 Tablets  8 Tablets  16 Tablets  32 Tablets 
Sildenafil Tablets £6.99 £14.99 £19.99 £24.99
Viagra Connect £20.99 £34.99 £60.99 £79.99
Viagra Tablets £24.99 £43.99 £79.99 £139.99
Eropid Tablets £13.49 £23.95 £43.99 £79.99
Spedra Tablets £28.99 £49.99 £88.99 N/A
Cialis Tablets £38.99 £73.99 £135.99 £254.99
Vardenafil Tablets £21.97 £39.98 £67.99 £109.99
Cialis Together Tablets £18.99 £33.99 N/A N/A
Tadalafil Tablets £8.49 £17.50 £23.99 £45.95

Spedra Over the Counter Alternatives

Over-the-counter (OTC) erectile dysfunction alternatives do not require a prescription in the UK. You will need to talk to a pharmacist before it can be dispensed to you to make sure it is the best option. OTC alternatives include: 

Informational sources  

If you would like more information about Spedra tablets and how they work, or you would like to know more about erectile dysfunction. We’ve created a list of helpful resources to help you in your sexual health journey: 

Directions of Use

Spedra dosage & Directions of use 

Spedra Dosage Options 

  • Spedra tablets are available in three doses: 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg

Usage Instructions for Spedra 

Spedra is an oral pill that can be taken with or without food. It is important to follow your GP's instructions and never take more than one dose daily (24-period). When you take Spedra, it depends on when you need it: 

  • For ED treatment, take Spedra at least 20 minutes and up to 4 hours before you need it
  • Spedra can work in 20 minutes; however, it may take longer (up to 60 to 90 minutes) if you take the medication after a big meal
  • Spedra may not work the first time you take it; you may need to try it up to several times

Ingredients

Spedra Ingredients 

Spedra Tablet Ingredients: 

Active ingredient: Avanafil 

Other ingredients: 

  • Mannitol
  • Calcium carbonate 
  • Fumaric acid
  • Hydroxy propylcellulose
  • Magnesium stearate 
  • Ferric oxide yellow (E172)
  • Low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose

Side Effects

Spedra Side Effects 

All medications have side effects ranging from mild to severe. Understanding the common side effects of Spedra can help determine how suitable the medication is for you. Mild and command side effects of Spedra include: 

  • Indigestion
  • Headache 
  • Facial flushing 
  • Nasal congestion 
  • Back and muscle pain

Common side effects of Spedra should go away within a few hours, days, or weeks after use. Talk to your GP or pharmacist if mild side effects persist or are uncomfortable. More severe side effects of Spedra are uncommon; however, if they do present, you should treat them seriously and contact your GP immediately if you experience any of the following side effects: 

  • An allergic reaction 
  • Sudden and significant changes in loss of hearing 
  • An erection lasting more than four hours or is painful 
  • Changes in blood pressure 

One way to decrease the chances of experiencing side effects is to take Spedra exactly as prescribed by your GP and pharmacist. 

Warnings

Spedra Warnings 

Before taking Spedra, tell your doctor if: 

  • You are allergic to Avanafil or any of the ingredients in Spedra 
  • You have had a heart attack or stroke in the last six months 
  • You are taking nitrate medications 
  • You have chest pain or get chest pain during sex 
  • You have a serious cardiac (heart) problem
  • You have low blood pressure or high blood pressure that is uncontrolled 
  • You have serious liver or kidney problems 
  • You have an irregular heartbeat 
  • You are taking medications for HIV or AIDs
  • You are taking medication for fungal infections 
  • You are taking antibiotics 

Do not take Spedra if you have any of the following mentioned above. If you have any other questions, talk to your GP or pharmacist. 

Spedra Drug Interactions 

Discuss all medications (prescription or OTC), supplements, or herbal remedies that you are taking with your GP and pharmacist. 

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following types of medications: 

  • Antibiotics 
  • Nitrates 
  • Alpha-blockers 
  • Riociguat 
  • Antifungals 
  • HIV medications (Protease inhibitors) 
  • High blood pressure medications 

Do not take Spedra if you are taking other medications for erectile dysfunction. 

Patient Information Leaflet

For more information about Spedra Tablets, please take a look at the information leaflet below. It is important you read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) before taking Spedra:

Author Information

All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.

Nazmul Kadir

Authored by

Nazmul Kadir

Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

GPhC Number: 2215377

Fahmida Kadir

Reviewed by

Fahmida Kadir

Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist

GPhC Number: 2219511

Review Date 1 January 2025
Next Review 1 January 2026
Published on 10 June 2021
Last Update 16 February 2026

Spedra Tablets FAQs

Fahmida Kadir
Fahmida Kadir Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist

Medically reviewed on January 1st, 2025

What is Spedra used for?

Spedra is used to temporarily treat erectile dysfunction or impotence in men. Erectile dysfunction is when a man cannot get an erection when sexually stimulated or maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. 

Is Avanafil better than Viagra?

In clinical trials, Spedra (Avanafil) provided effective treatment to only 60% of men, while 80% of men found Viagra effective. However, if speed is important to you, then you may find Spedra better than Viagra. 

Can I take Spedra daily?

You should take Spedra as prescribed by your GP or pharmacist; however, as a rule, you should not take more than one dose of Spedra in a 24-hour period. 

Does Spedra last as long as Viagra?

Both Spedra and Viagra last (are effective) for the same amount of time, being 4-6 hours.

Does Spedra work faster than Viagra?

Spedra does work faster than Viagra. Spedra can work (once sexually stimulated) as quickly as 20 minutes, while Viagra must be taken at least an hour before sex. 

However, if you take Spedra after a meal, it can delay its effects and may only begin working 60-90 minutes after taking it. 

What strengths of Spedra are available?

Spedra is available in 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg doses. Your GP or pharmacist will determine which dose will be the most appropriate and effective for you.

Does Spedra cure ED?

Spedra does not cure erectile dysfunction; rather, it provides a temporary solution to the lack of blood flow to the penis. If Spedra does not work after several separate tries, there may be an underlying cause of ED that needs to be diagnosed by a healthcare professional.

How do I take Spedra tablets?

Spedra is an oral tablet, meaning that it needs to be swallowed whole with either a drink of water or fruit juice (not grapefruit). It is also essential to take Spedra exactly as explained by your GP or pharmacist.

What happens if Spedra does not work the first time I take it?

In some cases, Spedra may not work the first time you take it due to multiple factors. You may find that it starts working after a couple of tries; however, your pharmacist or GP may need to adjust your dosage. 


Spedra may take longer to work if you take it after a meal. It is also important to remember that Spedra only starts working 20 minutes after taking it, and you need to be sexually aroused. 

Can women take Spedra?

No, Spedra is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. 

How Long Does Spedra Take To Work?

Spedra is one of the fastest solutioins for ED available- it can take as little as 20 minutes and this can last for up to 4 or 5 hours. If you have eaten an hour before taking Spedra, it may take up to 90 minutes for the medication to work. It is therefore recommended you have a low fat meal 2-3 hours before taking Spedra.

Is Spedra as Effective as Viagra?

In clinical trials, Viagra provides a very effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in about 80% of men, whereas Spedra only proivdes effective treatment for about 60% of men.


It depends what you deem to be more important to you, if you want a better chance of getting an erection then Viagra is likely your first choice, however if you are looking to achieve and maintain an erection for up to FOUR times quicker than Viagra, then Spedra should be your

Can I Drink Alcohol With Spedra?

It is recommended that you do NOT drink alcohol whilst taking Spedra.

However, it is not dangerous to drink alcohol at the same time as taking Spedra. Drinking alcohol and taking Spedra amy increase your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. You might also feel quite dizzy (especially when standing up), have a headache, or feel your hear beating particulary quickly. or strongly in your chest (palpitations).

Drinking alcohol amy also reduce your ability to achieve an erection, meaning drinking alcohol may have a counter-productive effect when taking Spedra.

What Dose of Spedra Should I Take?

It is recommended that men start at a dose of 100mg of Spedra. If you experience side effects, then the advice is to drop to 50mg, and if you experience no effect, then you doctor may advise you to increase the dose to 200mg.

A fully qualified team

Our experienced pharmacists are all registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council in the UK.

View our full team
Nazmul Kadir Nazmul Kadir

Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

MPharm, PgDip

Anna Wedderburn Anna Wedderburn

Clinical Director

MPharm

Stephanie Beirne Stephanie Beirne

Clinical Governance Lead

MPharm, PgDip

Fahmida Kadir Image Fahmida Kadir

Deputy Superintendent Pharmacist

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