Spedra (avanafil) is the name of a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDE5 inhibitor) used to help men with erectile dysfunction (ED) achieve an erection.

The medication comes in tablets, typically taken about 15 minutes prior to intimacy. Effects last around 6 hours.

Note that Spedra is not a cure for ED, nor is it an aphrodisiac. The medication temporarily improves blood flow to the penis so an erection can be formed. Some stimulation is required.

Pros & Cons of Spedra

Most men with ED---and many without---have heard of PDE5 inhibitors; sildenafil, the active ingredient in the very well-known Viagra, is a PDE5 inhibitor, as is tadalafil, the active ingredient in the somewhat less well-known Cialis. In fact most ED treatments are PDE5 inhibitors, with a few exceptions.

Spedra is no exception; as a PDE5 inhibitor it shares many qualities with other PDE5 inhibitors. However, there are some benefits unique to Spedra:

• Spedra works quickly, within 15 minutes of taking a tablet; other tablets take around 30 to 60 minutes.
• Spedra lasts longer than many of its competitors, around 6 hours.
• Unlike its competitors, Spedra can be taken with a moderate amount of alcohol.

It also has some drawbacks common among all PDE5 inhibitors:

• All PDE5 inhibitors will lower blood pressure to some extent. This can be a concern for men with already-low blood pressure or those taking blood pressure-lowering medications.
• PDE5 inhibitors can interact severely with nitrate medications. Nitrates are predominantly used to treat angina, but are also used recreationally.
• PDE5 inhibitors may cause complications in men who have had a recent heart attack or stroke, have coronary artery disease, or congestive heart failure. Speak with a doctor before use.

In other words, Spedra is an effective medication that works quickly; it has advantages over most other PDE5 inhibitors, and while it does have its drawbacks, they're shared with all similar products. If considering a PDE5 inhibitor, Spedra is definitely worth a shot.

Dosage & Administration

Spedra comes in tablets of 50 mg, 100 mg, or 200 mg strengths. A glass of fluid is recommended with each dose. Food is optional; be aware that a heavy meal or fatty foods can interfere with absorption, making the medication less effective.

Ideally men will get dosage from a doctor, who can take into account factors like age, weight, other medical conditions, and so forth. Sometimes the first dose will be administered in a doctors office to if serious side effects develop. If that is not an option, dosage guidelines are:

• Otherwise healthy men should start with 100 mg doses.
• If 100 mg is insufficient, dosage may be increased to 200 mg.
• Men with major medical conditions should start with 50 mg doses.
• Men who experience side effects on 100 mg should reduce dosage to 50 mg.

To take the medication:

• If taking 100 or 200 mg doses, take a tablet about 15 minutes prior to intimacy.
• If taking a 50 mg dose, take a tablet about 30 minutes prior to intimacy.
• Effects last around 6 hours.

Regardless of dosage strength, no more than one dose of Spedra should be taken in 24 hours.

As mentioned above, Spedra may be taken with a moderate amount of alcohol. Men are advised not to exceed 3 glasses of wine or 3 beers or 3 shots of liquor, or some combination thereof.

Precautions

Before taking Spedra, men with a history of the following should be sure to discuss risks with a doctor:

• Significantly low or high blood pressure
• Heart, liver or kidney problems
• Any blood cell or bleeding disorders
• Any vision or hearing disorders
• Penile implants or physical abnormalities

Men with the above may be instructed to start with 50 mg doses, or told to avoid the product altogether.

Similarly, if taking certain other medications, men may be started on 50 mg doses or advised to not buy Spedra at all:

• Other ED treatments
• Nitrates
• Protease inhibitors
• Alpha-blockers
• High blood pressure treatments
• Antibiotics
• Antifungal medications
• Guanylate cyclase stimulators

While the above are medications of greatest concern, to be on the safe side double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medication along with Spedra, including over-the-counter varieties.