How Long Does Avanafil Last? Duration & Timing Explained
Learn about avanafil's duration of action and access UK pharmacist-led consultations for ED treatment.
Takes less than 2 minutes to complete 100% online
ED Treatments We Offer
Pricing Disclaimer: Prices on some pages may not be up to date — the live pricing table below and pricing shown during consultation are official current prices and take precedence over any other figures on the site.
How Long Does Avanafil Last? Understanding Spedra's Duration of Action
Published: 6 November 2026
How long does avanafil last? Avanafil, sold under the brand name Spedra, typically remains effective for around four to six hours after taking a dose [6]. This makes it one of the faster-acting erectile dysfunction treatments available in the UK, with effects beginning as quickly as 15 to 30 minutes after taking the tablet. Understanding how long avanafil lasts can help you plan intimacy more confidently and choose the ED treatment that best fits your lifestyle.
At a glance
How Long Does Avanafil Last in Your System?
Avanafil belongs to a class of medicines called PDE5 inhibitors, which work by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation [6]. The duration of action refers to the window of time during which the medicine can help you achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused.
Clinical studies show that avanafil remains effective for approximately four to six hours after taking a dose [11]. This is shorter than tadalafil (which can last up to 36 hours) but similar to sildenafil and vardenafil, which typically work for around four to five hours [3][4][5]. The exact duration can vary between individuals depending on factors such as age, metabolism, overall health, and whether you've eaten a large meal before taking the tablet.
It's important to understand that avanafil does not cause a continuous erection for the entire duration. Instead, it creates a window of opportunity during which you can respond to sexual stimulation more easily. You still need to be sexually aroused for the medicine to work, and the erection will naturally subside after sexual activity, just as it would without medication [6].
How Quickly Does Avanafil Start Working?
One of avanafil's key advantages is its rapid onset of action. Avanafil can start working in as little as 15 to 30 minutes after taking a tablet, making it the fastest-acting oral ED treatment currently licensed in the UK [6][11]. This quick onset gives you more flexibility and spontaneity compared to other PDE5 inhibitors.
For comparison, sildenafil (Viagra) typically needs to be taken about one hour before sexual activity, while vardenafil (Levitra) requires 25 to 60 minutes [3][5]. Tadalafil (Cialis) can be taken at least 30 minutes before sex, though some men find it works better after an hour or two [4]. The faster action of avanafil means less advance planning is needed.
To get the best results, take avanafil on an empty stomach or after a light meal. A heavy, high-fat meal can delay absorption and slow down how quickly the medicine starts working [6]. Taking the tablet with water about 15 to 30 minutes before you anticipate sexual activity usually provides optimal timing.
Factors That Affect How Quickly Avanafil Works
Several factors can influence how quickly avanafil takes effect. Food intake is particularly important: taking avanafil after a large or fatty meal can delay absorption, meaning it may take longer to start working [6]. Alcohol consumption can also affect the medicine's effectiveness and may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or low blood pressure.
Your age and general health can play a role too. Older men or those with certain health conditions may find that avanafil takes slightly longer to work or that the effects are less pronounced. If you have liver or kidney problems, your doctor may adjust your dose, which can also affect timing and duration [6]. Always follow the dose prescribed specifically for you.
What Affects How Long Avanafil Lasts?
The duration of avanafil's effects can be influenced by several individual factors. Your metabolism plays a significant role: men with faster metabolisms may find the medicine clears from their system more quickly, while those with slower metabolisms might experience slightly longer effects. Age is also relevant, as older men often metabolise medicines more slowly [6].
Certain medicines can interact with avanafil and affect how long it lasts in your body. Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ritonavil, cobicistat (found in some HIV medicines), ketoconazole, itraconazole, and clarithromycin, can significantly increase avanafil levels in the blood [6]. With these medicines, avanafil is often contraindicated or requires careful dose adjustment by your prescriber. Never take avanafil if you're using these medicines without explicit approval from your doctor.
Conversely, CYP3A4 inducers like rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St John's wort can reduce avanafil levels, potentially making it less effective and shortening its duration of action [6]. Grapefruit juice can also raise avanafil levels and should be avoided. During your online consultation at Cured Pharmacy, the prescriber will review all your current medicines to check for interactions and ensure avanafil is safe and appropriate for you.
What you need to know
- Avanafil typically lasts four to six hours after taking a dose
- It starts working faster than other ED medicines, in 15 to 30 minutes
- Take avanafil a maximum of once per 24 hours, never combine with other ED medicines
- Food, alcohol, and certain medicines can affect how long avanafil lasts
- Tadalafil lasts longer (up to 36 hours) if you need a wider window
How Long Does Avanafil Last Compared to Other ED Treatments?
When choosing an ED treatment, understanding how long each option lasts can help you find the best fit for your needs and lifestyle. Avanafil's four-to-six-hour duration places it in the middle range among PDE5 inhibitors [6]. Sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra) have similar durations, typically lasting around four to five hours [3][5].
Tadalafil (Cialis) stands out with a much longer duration of action, remaining effective for up to 36 hours after taking a dose [4]. This extended window has earned it the nickname 'the weekend pill' and can be particularly appealing if you prefer not to time your dose closely to sexual activity. However, the longer duration doesn't mean a stronger effect—it simply means a longer window of opportunity.
The choice between avanafil and other ED medicines often comes down to personal preference and practical considerations. If spontaneity is important and you want a medicine that works quickly but doesn't stay in your system for days, avanafil may be ideal. If you prefer a longer window or want the option of daily low-dose treatment, tadalafil might suit you better. Your prescriber can discuss the pros and cons of each option during your consultation.
On-Demand vs Daily Treatment Options
Avanafil is taken on-demand, meaning you take a tablet only when you plan to have sexual activity, with a maximum of one dose per day [6]. This approach works well for many men who have sex occasionally or prefer to take medicine only when needed. The four-to-six-hour duration provides a reasonable window without the medicine staying in your system for extended periods.
Tadalafil offers both on-demand dosing (10 mg or 20 mg) and a daily low-dose option (2.5 mg or 5 mg taken every day) [4]. Daily tadalafil maintains a steady level in your body, so you don't need to plan ahead for sexual activity. However, avanafil, sildenafil, and vardenafil are only available as on-demand treatments. Your prescriber can help you decide which approach best matches your situation and preferences.
Can You Take Avanafil More Than Once a Day?
No, you should not take avanafil more than once in a 24-hour period [6]. Taking more than the recommended dose does not make the medicine work better or last longer; instead, it significantly increases the risk of side effects such as headache, flushing, dizziness, nasal congestion, and potentially serious drops in blood pressure.
If you find that one dose of avanafil doesn't provide the effect you need, or if the duration isn't long enough, speak to your prescriber rather than taking an extra tablet. They may suggest adjusting your dose (avanafil is available in 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg strengths), trying a different PDE5 inhibitor, or investigating whether other factors might be affecting your response to treatment [6][11].
It's also important never to combine avanafil with another PDE5 inhibitor such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil. Taking two ED medicines together can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and is never safe [6]. If you're considering switching from one ED treatment to another, wait at least 24 hours after your last dose before trying a different medicine, and always follow your prescriber's guidance.
When to get urgent help
- Erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism) – go to A&E immediately
- Sudden loss of vision or hearing – stop taking avanafil and seek urgent medical help
- Chest pain during or after sex – stop activity and call 999; do not take nitrate medicines
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or signs of very low blood pressure – seek same-day medical advice
- Allergic reaction (rash, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing) – call 999
Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.
How to Get the Best Results from Avanafil
To maximise how long avanafil lasts and how well it works, take the tablet about 15 to 30 minutes before sexual activity, ideally on an empty stomach or after a light meal [6]. Avoid heavy, high-fat meals beforehand, as these can delay absorption and reduce effectiveness. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, but limit alcohol consumption, as heavy drinking can worsen erectile dysfunction and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness.
Remember that avanafil, like all PDE5 inhibitors, requires sexual stimulation to work [6]. The medicine doesn't automatically cause an erection; it helps your body respond more easily to arousal. Creating a relaxed, comfortable environment and reducing performance anxiety can significantly improve your experience. If stress or psychological factors are contributing to your ED, consider speaking to your GP about counselling or other support options.
If avanafil doesn't seem to work as expected, don't give up after just one attempt. Some men find that the medicine works better on the second or third try as they become more familiar with how it affects them and learn the optimal timing. If you've tried avanafil several times without success, contact your prescriber to discuss alternative treatments or further investigation into the underlying causes of your erectile dysfunction [2]. At Cured Pharmacy, our UK-registered prescribers are available to review your treatment and make adjustments as needed following an online consultation.
When to Seek Further Medical Advice
While avanafil is effective for many men, it's not suitable for everyone, and ED can sometimes be an early warning sign of other health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes [1][2]. If you're experiencing erectile dysfunction for the first time, it's important to see your GP for a full assessment before starting treatment. Your doctor can check for underlying causes and ensure that ED treatment is safe for you.
If you experience side effects that concern you, or if avanafil stops working after previously being effective, contact your prescriber or GP. Sudden changes in how well ED treatment works can sometimes indicate a change in your overall health that needs attention. Never ignore new symptoms or assume that ED medicine alone is the complete solution—addressing lifestyle factors and underlying health conditions is equally important for long-term sexual health [2].
Get the Best Results
Take avanafil 15 to 30 minutes before sexual activity on an empty stomach or after a light meal. Avoid heavy, fatty foods and limit alcohol to maximise effectiveness and duration.
Scientific References
- NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 6 November 2026]
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 6 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Sildenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/ [accessed 6 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Tadalafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tadalafil/ [accessed 6 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 6 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Avanafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/avanafil/ [accessed 6 November 2026]
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2014). Erectile dysfunction: avanafil (ESNM45). https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm45 [accessed 6 November 2026]
Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.
Trusted by thousands
Real people, real results
“Fabulous service and quick delivery”
“Felt the effects of these after about 5 days. Erections are better and can get aroused and ready easier”
“Excellent value and brilliant customer service”
“I received excellent service and everything went well. The order arrived quickly and in perfect condition. It's working very well! Thank you to the whole team for the great work!”
“Delivery was good, the product lived up to expectations.”
How Our Online Service Works
Choose your treatment
Select from our recommended UK-licensed medications.
Answer quick questions
Select safe UK treatments. Quick answers.
Get it delivered fast
We will deliver direct to you as quickly as tomorrow.
Get Discreet ED Treatment Online
Reviewed by UK-based prescribers · Takes under 3 minutes · Discreet Packaging
Your Questions Answered
How long does avanafil last in your body?
Avanafil typically remains effective for around four to six hours after taking a dose, though the exact duration can vary between individuals based on factors such as age, metabolism, and overall health.
Is avanafil faster than Viagra?
Yes, avanafil can start working in 15 to 30 minutes, making it faster than sildenafil (Viagra), which typically requires about one hour. Both have similar durations of action.
Can I drink alcohol with avanafil?
Small amounts of alcohol are unlikely to cause problems, but heavy drinking can worsen erectile dysfunction, increase side effects such as dizziness, and reduce how well avanafil works.
What happens if avanafil doesn't last long enough?
If the four-to-six-hour window isn't sufficient for your needs, speak to your prescriber about alternative options such as tadalafil, which can last up to 36 hours. Don't take extra doses of avanafil.
Does avanafil work on the first try?
Many men find avanafil effective on the first attempt, but some need two or three tries to get the best results as they learn the optimal timing and conditions. If it doesn't work after several attempts, contact your prescriber.
Can I take avanafil every day?
Avanafil is designed for on-demand use, not daily dosing. You can take it up to once per day when needed, but it's not intended to be taken every single day like daily tadalafil.
Will avanafil keep me erect for hours?
No, avanafil creates a window during which you can achieve an erection when sexually stimulated, but the erection will naturally subside after sexual activity. It doesn't cause a continuous erection.
Is Spedra the same as avanafil?
Yes, Spedra is the brand name for avanafil. Both contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way, with the same duration of action (four to six hours).
Medically reviewed by
Tarun Kumar, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)