If you're looking to buy Spedra online, iQ Doctor makes it simple to access this erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment through a short online consultation. Spedra (Avanafil) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. It helps improve blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation, supporting a natural erection response. It may be a suitable option for men, or people assigned male at birth, who have been diagnosed with ED and are looking for a fast-acting tablet.
Start your consultation today to find out if Spedra could be right for you.
View all erectile dysfunction treatments, or take a look at our ED starter pack as another way to begin treatment. Other options include Avarante 10mg tablets.
What is Spedra?
Spedra (Avanafil) is one of the fastest-acting ED medicines available. Spedra was approved for treating ED in 2013 and comes in 3 strengths: 50mg, 100mg and 200mg.
Spedra is a PDE5 inhibitor, which means it works in a similar way to Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil) and Levitra (Vardenafil), which are also PDE5 inhibitors.
Spedra helps you get and keep an erection when you're sexually stimulated, by improving your erectile response.
Avanafil tablets are the generic version of Spedra.
How effective is Spedra in treating erectile dysfunction?
Studies show that about half of the men who take Spedra report success, with higher doses giving better results.
In one study, the average success rate was around 47%, 58% and 59% for the 50mg, 100mg and 200mg Avanafil groups, compared with around 28% for the placebo (dummy tablet) group.
Directions of use for Spedra
Taking Spedra
Swallow Spedra tablets whole. Spedra is most active 15 to 30 minutes after you take it on an empty stomach, and will likely stay active for 4 hours or more.
If you take Spedra with a high-fat meal, absorption may be delayed by up to 1.5 hours.
Like most erectile dysfunction medicines, Spedra supports natural erections. It won't work without sexual stimulation or foreplay. Without arousal, a tablet's effects will simply wear off after a few hours.
Dosage
The usual starting dose is one 100mg tablet. Future doses are then adjusted depending on how well the treatment works for you. The lowest dose is one 50mg tablet and the maximum dose is one 200mg tablet. Don't take more than one tablet a day.
Trial data for people aged 70 or over is limited, but no dose reduction is needed because of age.
Don't take any other erectile dysfunction medicines within 24 hours of taking Spedra.
How to get Spedra
To buy Spedra, you'll first complete a short online questionnaire about your health and medical history. One of our UK-registered prescribers reviews your answers individually and confirms whether Spedra is suitable for you before anything is dispensed. Every order is prepared by our GPhC-regulated pharmacy and sent in discreet packaging, so your treatment arrives without drawing attention. If you have questions at any stage, our UK-based clinical team is here to help.
Side effects of Spedra
As with most medicines, Spedra can cause side effects, but they rarely mean you need to stop treatment.
The most common side effects are headache, flushing, nasal and sinus congestion, and back pain. These pass on their own. The manufacturer's patient information leaflet included in packs of Spedra tablets has a complete list of Spedra side effects.
Some side effects are more serious. If you have any of these, get medical help immediately:
Decline in vision in one or both eyes
Loss of hearing, which may come with dizziness and ringing in the ears
An erection that lasts too long (priapism). If it lasts 4 hours or more, permanent damage can occur
Warnings for using Spedra
If you take alpha-blockers (such as Doxazosin or Tamsulosin), you should be on a stable dose before starting Spedra, and you'll usually start on the lowest dose of 50mg. Don't take Spedra if you use Nicorandil or nitrates to treat angina, such as glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray or Isosorbide mononitrate tablets.
Recreational drugs can interact with Spedra. Tell your doctor about any medicines you take, whether prescription or over-the-counter, and any recreational drugs, so they can check Spedra is suitable for you.
How does Spedra work to overcome erectile dysfunction?
When you're sexually aroused, Spedra blocks the PDE5 enzyme, which is mainly found in the erectile tissue of the penis. This increases blood flow to the penis, which helps overcome ED.
What makes Spedra more effective as an erectile dysfunction medication?
Spedra's main advantage over other PDE5 inhibitors is that it works more quickly. Spedra is absorbed into the bloodstream very rapidly and reaches its highest level in the body in about 30 to 45 minutes.
What doses of Spedra are available?
Spedra comes in 3 strengths: 50mg, 100mg and 200mg.
What is the right dosage of Spedra?
The right dose is different for everyone. The prescribing pharmacist will decide the most suitable Spedra dose for you. They'll consider possible interactions with other medicines, your age, how severe your erectile dysfunction is and any past experience you've had with these medicines.
What side effects does Spedra have?
Spedra's side effects are usually minor and pass on their own. The most commonly reported are headache, flushing and nasal congestion.
Can Spedra have any harmful interactions with other medications?
Many medicines can interact with Spedra. Tell your prescriber about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you take.
Medicines to avoid with Spedra include (this list is not complete):
Rifamycins, such as Rifampicin
Nitrate medicines, such as GTN, Nitroglycerin, Isosorbide mononitrate or Isosorbide dinitrate
Alpha-blockers, prescribed for prostate disease or high blood pressure
Azole antifungals, such as Itraconazole or Ketoconazole
Ritonavir
Amyl, butyl or isopropyl nitrates ('poppers')
Who should avoid using Spedra?
You should avoid taking Spedra if you have serious heart or liver problems, low blood pressure or certain rare inherited eye conditions, or if you've had a stroke or heart attack.
Does Spedra cure erectile dysfunction?
Spedra won't treat the underlying causes of your erectile dysfunction, but it may help you get an erection when you want one.
Is Spedra more effective than Viagra?
PDE5 inhibitors such as Spedra (Avanafil), Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil) and Levitra (Vardenafil) are all considered equally effective as first-line treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Can you take Spedra if you don't need it?
If you haven't been diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, you shouldn't take this medicine simply to enhance sexual performance, unless you've spoken to your doctor first.
Is there any difference between Spedra and avanafil?
The active ingredient in Spedra is Avanafil (the tablets also contain a few inactive ingredients). Spedra is the brand name, while Avanafil is the generic name for the active ingredient, which is often available at a lower cost. Spedra is sold specifically for the treatment of ED.
You can buy Avanafil tablets, the generic version of Spedra, through iQ Doctor once one of our UK-registered prescribers has confirmed they're suitable for you.
What should you avoid consuming while using Spedra?
Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice with Spedra, and don't drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
Can Spedra be taken with food?
You can take Spedra with or without food. However, a high-fat meal may delay how quickly Spedra starts to work.
Can Spedra be taken with alcohol?
Spedra shouldn't be taken with excessive amounts of alcohol.
Drinking too much may cause headaches, dizziness, a raised heart rate or low blood pressure, and may make the medicine less effective.
Our Clinical Authors
This page has been written by a registered UK pharmacist and reviewed by our clinical team to ensure it is accurate, clear and reflects current clinical guidance.
Last medically reviewed: 06 November 2026
Last updated: 06 November 2026