Avanafil (Spedra)


Other names: Spedra

Avanafil is a prescription medicine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, a symptom that can affect men with multiple sclerosis (MS). 

How do I take avanafil

Avanafil is a tablet taken from between 15 minutes to an 30 minutes before sexual activity is planned. Dosage ranges from 50-200mg as necessary and the maximum dose is once a day. The effects last around four hours. 

It takes longer for vardenafil to take effect if it is taken with food.

What side effects could I get?

Common side effects include headaches, flushing, upset stomach, visual disorders, nasal congestion and dizziness.

You should not take avanafil if you:

  • are receiving treatment with drugs containing nitrates, such as are used to treat angina or are using recreational drugs such as poppers 
  • have serious heart disease
  • have low blood pressure or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

If you have problems with liver or kidney function, talk to your doctor before starting treatment with avanafil.

How does avanafil work?

Erectile dysfuntion is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. In multiple sclerosis this is commonly associated with bladder symptoms and both disorders are believed to be as a direct result of damage to the nerves in the spinal cord.

Avanafil works by delaying the action of enzymes called PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5), which regulate blood flow in the penis. Altering levels of this enzyme means that normal sexual stimulation leads to better erections.

Find out more

References
Lombardi G, et al.
Treating erectile dysfunction and central neurological diseases with oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Review of the literature.
Journal of Sexual Medicine 2012;9(4):970-985
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