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 Kamagra AUS Pharmacy Team on 5 September 2026 · Next review June 2027
Sources for the medical information on this page
- TGA — Avanafil product information — Therapeutic Goods Administration — search the TGA's Product Information / ARTG for avanafil-based products.
- PDE5 Inhibitors — StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf — Peer-reviewed clinical pharmacology of the whole drug class.
Avanafil medicines we deliver Australia-wide
Browse the full Erectile Dysfunction range2 generic Avanafil products — same molecule, different brands, formats and pack sizes.
About Avanafil
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. 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?
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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?
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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?
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Spedra is the brand name avanafil was first sold under; the generic contains the same active substance at the same strength, with no difference in how it works.
How much does avanafil cost in Australia?
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Generic avanafil 100mg starts from $71.88 for a 20-pack (Avana 100), with a lower per-tablet price on larger packs. Delivery is free on orders over $150, otherwise $20 flat.
More questions answered: How the medicines work (5 answers)
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
The Four PDE5 Inhibitors Compared
Sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil and avanafil share a mechanism and a contraindication list, and differ in ways that matter clinically. A plain-English comparison of the class.
Read guideAvana 100: Avanafil for Erectile Dysfunction in Australia
Avana 100 contains 100mg avanafil, a fast-acting Schedule 4 PDE5 inhibitor. How it works, dosing, and Australia-wide delivery explained.
Read guideAvana 50: The Lower-Dose Avanafil Starting Point
Avana 50 is the lower-strength avanafil tablet, often used as a starting dose. Learn who it suits and how delivery works across Australia.
Read guideAvana 200: The Highest-Strength Avanafil Tablet
Avana 200 delivers the highest avanafil dose in the range, for men needing a stronger PDE5 inhibitor. Facts, dosing, and delivery across Australia.
Read guideIs There Really an 'Instant' Sex Jelly? What Onset Time Actually Means
No PDE5 medicine works instantly without sexual stimulation, but genuine differences in onset time do exist between active ingredients like avanafil.
Read guideAvanafil: The Faster-Onset ED Medicine Option Explained
Avanafil's comparatively fast absorption is a genuine, studied pharmacological property of the molecule, though individual response still varies and a prescription is always required.
Read guideAvanafil (Stendra): How It Differs From Sildenafil and Tadalafil
Avanafil is the active ingredient behind the originally branded medicine Stendra — sold here as Avana. Here's how this newer PDE5 inhibitor compares with sildenafil (Kamagra) and tadalafil, and who tends to consider it.
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