If you’ve seen ED sprays advertised online and you’re trying to work out whether they actually work, or whether any of them are safe, this guide will give you the true facts for the UK.
Key Facts:
ED sprays are a mixed category. Sildenafil oral sprays like Hezkue are prescription-only medicines, whereas Eroxon StimGel is classed as an over-the-counter medical device.
Hezkue kicks in at around 15 to 25 minutes, whereas Eroxon takes around 10 minutes, and a Sildenafil tablet takes around 30 to 60 minutes.
A delay spray like Stud 100 isn’t an ED treatment, it prevent premature ejaculation.
Most herbal or ‘natural’ ED sprays sold online are unregulated supplements, not medicines, and aren’t approved by the MHRA in the UK.
Sildenafil in any format, including a spray, should not be used with nitrates, similar to the tablets.
In this article:
Do ED sprays actually work?
How each ED spray type works: Hezkue, Eroxon and herbal
Are ED sprays safe? Nitrates, heart disease and interactions
Are herbal or natural ED sprays safe or effective?
Which ED spray is right for me? A 5-step decision guide
How to buy an ED spray legally in the UK
Frequently asked questions about ED sprays
Do ED sprays actually work?
ED sprays fall into two categories: Hezkue Sildenafil oral spray (a prescription only medicine), and Eroxon StimGel (an over-the-counter medical device) and both are available in the UK.
Some sprays will help with ED, and some won't. Hezkue is a spray of Sildenafil (the same active ingredient as the Sildenafil tablet) at 12.5mg per spray, and it acts in the body in a way very similar to Sildenafil tablets and is proven to work just as well. Eroxon StimGel has evidence from clinical trials showing that around 65% of those with mild-to-moderate ED found it to be successful (2). However, nasal sprays and the ‘herbal’ sprays sold on the internet havent gone through clinical trials to study their effectiveness.
According to NHS Inform (NHS Scotland), as men get older, ED becomes more common, and around 1 in 2 men aged 40 to 70 will experience it (1). That's why sprays, which claim to work faster or are easier to use than pills, get so much attention.
Hezkue gets Sildenafil into your system through the lining of your mouth, and it typically starts to work in around 25 minutes (though it ranges from 12 to 37 minutes) with the effects lasting approximately 4 to 5 hours (according to the official Hezkue product information) (6). Eroxon is a gel that contains something that affects blood vessels, and once applied to the head of the penis it evaporates, encouraging blood flow to the area.
A spray isn't going to fix all the causes of ED. Different types of ED are managed by different methods. Considering the price helps you to set realistic expectations too: Hezkue is priced as a private prescription (and you need a valid UK prescription to get it), Eroxon is a mid-price option you can get over the counter, and herbal sprays are usually the cheapest but have no guarantee of quality.
The remainder of this article will compare all the sprays available in the UK that claim to help with ED, explain the safety guidelines (particularly regarding nitrates), and will present a 5-step guide to help you decide. For a more comprehensive look at how men in the UK pick their first ED treatment, see Oxford Online Pharmacy’s overview of how men in the UK actually choose their first ED treatment.
How each ED spray type works: Hezkue, Eroxon and herbal
ED sprays achieve their effect in a couple of ways. Hezkue gets Sildenafil into your system through the lining of your mouth, while Eroxon uses a gel that you apply to the head of the penis, and this gel both evaporates and helps blood vessels expand.
Other sprays aimed at erections typically sit outside these two regulated categories.
Product | Active / mechanism | Regulatory class | Onset and duration | UK availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hezkue | Sildenafil 12.5mg oral spray; PDE5 inhibitor | POM (prescription-only) | ~25 min average onset (range 12 to 37); 4 to 5 hour window | Private prescription only. Indicated for erectile dysfunction in adult men. |
Eroxon StimGel | Topical fume or vapor that affects blood flow by widening or narrowing blood vessels. Formulation; no pharmaceutical active | OTC (over the counter) | ~10 min average onset; typically lasts the duration of intimacy | Over the counter from UK pharmacies. ~65% clinical trial success in mild-to-moderate ED. |
Stud 100 | Lidocaine 9.6% topical spray; local anaesthetic | OTC (over the counter) | ~5 min onset; typically lasts the duration of intimacy | Licensed for premature ejaculation, not ED. Included here only to illustrate delay sprays from ED sprays. |
Herbal / ‘natural’ sprays | Unverified plant extracts; no proven active | Unregulated food supplement | No reliable data | Sold on Amazon, TikTok and social ads; repeatedly found to contain undeclared prescription drugs. Not recommended. |
What is a ‘spray on Viagra’?
People online often call Hezkue ‘spray on Viagra’, but that’s just a slang term. Hezkue is a Sildenafil liquid that is sprayed into the mouth. Both Hezkue and Viagra contain Sildenafil, and you need a prescription for both in the UK.
Legally, Hezkue is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and cannot be sold over the counter. It is reported to kick in faster than the tablet, with an average of 25 minutes (ranging from 12 to 37 minutes) as per the official Hezkue product information, versus 30 to 60 minutes for the tablet, and the amount of Sildenafil your body actually uses is similar to what you’d expect based on research (4)(5)(6).
Are ED sprays safe? Nitrates, heart disease and interactions
Hezkue contains sildenafil, just like the pill and has the same warnings about nitrates – never take it with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) or nitroglycerin. Eroxon is a gel and is very unlikely to affect your body as a whole.
However, being a spray doesn't make any Sildenafil product safer in terms of how it travels through your system. As Hezkue contains Sildenafil, the same contraindications and warnings apply as for the tablet (3)(6).
You should definitely not use Hezkue if you are currently using any nitrate medicine (glyceryl trinitrate [GTN] spray, Isosorbide mono-/dinitrate), have recently had a heart attack, have unstable angina, have very low blood pressure, have had non-arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in the past, or take amyl nitrite (or ‘poppers’).
Side effects such as headache, flushing, indigestion, a blocked nose and feeling dizzy are all very common (occurring in more than 1 in 10 people) with Hezkue. Changes to your vision are common too, affecting between 1 and 10 in every 100 people.
With Eroxon, the most common side effect is skin irritation where you apply it. It doesn't have any warnings for heart conditions, but anyone needing a stronger medicine for erectile dysfunction should get advice from a doctor.
A very important thing to remember is: don't self-treat. If you are on medication for your heart, your blood pressure or any nitrate-based medicine, don't order Sildenafil as a spray without a doctor’s approval. Hezkue is a prescription-only medicine, and a thorough check-up is required before it’s given to you (6).
Are herbal or natural ED sprays safe or effective?
The sprays for erectile dysfunction that are sold online and labelled as ‘herbal’ or ‘natural’ aren't regulated medicines, they're sold as supplements with minimal controls on them. They haven't been checked by the MHRA (the UK medicines regulator) and can contain many undeclared ingredients inside.
Most of these ‘herbal’ or ‘natural’ sprays on Amazon, TikTok and other social media are technically food supplements, not regulated medicines. What’s actually in them isn't necessarily what the label says, and labs have discovered undeclared prescription medicines (like versions of Sildenafil) in products meant to help with sexual performance.
This is important because a version of Sildenafil that’s not shown on the ingredients of a ‘natural’ product can cause the same heart problems as the prescription version, but without a doctor being involved to check if it’s safe for you. The MHRA has in fact issued warnings about unlicensed medicines for erections that are bought online; swapping a medicine that’s properly regulated (like Hezkue or Eroxon) for an unregulated one isn't as good a deal as it appears.
If you’re looking for something cheap, Eroxon (available over the counter, and with UKCA/CE approval) is an officially regulated and affordable option. A clinical discussion with a pharmacist is still the best way to determine if a prescription medicine like oral Sildenafil is right for you.
Which ED spray is right for me? A 5-step decision guide
What kind of spray for erectile dysfunction will work for you depends on if you’ve used pills before, if you have any heart conditions, whether you’re getting something over the counter or needing a prescription, how severe your ED is, and also whether you have problems with premature ejaculation.
You should consider these things in this order, and each step has a clear ‘yes’ and ‘no’ route.
Have you already tried PDE5 tablets (Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil)? If no, prescription PDE5 tablets are usually the first option and are typically cheaper than a spray. They are prescription-only medicines and require medical check-up. If yes and they failed, continue.
Are you on any nitrate, have heart disease or take an alpha-blocker? If yes, don’t start Hezkue without a prescriber’s review. Eroxon may be a better topical option, but it is still best to undergo a consultation first.
Do you want over the counter or are you open to an online prescription? Over-the-counter route: Eroxon. Online prescription route: Hezkue Sildenafil oral spray or generic Sildenafil tablets (both prescription-only medicines), after a medical check-up.
Is your ED mild or situational, or has it been happening for a while? Mild or situational: Eroxon or a PDE5 tablet on prescription. Established: daily Tadalafil or a prescriber-led treatment plan (both routes involve POMs and require clinical assessment).
Is it really ED, or is it premature ejaculation? If it’s premature ejaculation, the right product is a Lidocaine delay spray, not an ED spray. See if you’re looking for a delay spray, not an ED spray, or the Lidocaine delay spray for premature ejaculation (not an ED treatment) (Stud 100 is a pharmacy medicine, not a POM).
If none of the spray options fit, non-medication alternatives include vacuum erection devices. See Oxford Online Pharmacy’s non-drug device option for ED for a blog post about the different options available.
How to buy an ED spray legally in the UK
In the UK, you need a prescription for Hezkue, but Eroxon you can get over the counter. You should only purchase from a pharmacy in the UK which is registered with the GPhC – if you buy from sellers abroad, it is much harder to resolve issues that could come from unregulated medications.
Hezkue (POM): requires a UK prescription. Available only via the NHS where appropriate, or as a private prescription from a regulated UK pharmacy after a clinician consultation. Never buy Sildenafil sprays from unregulated overseas sellers.
Eroxon (OTC medical device): available from UK pharmacies and regulated online pharmacies without a prescription. Check the pack for UKCA/CE marking.
Red flags for counterfeit products: a price far below the UK range, no UK pharmacy address, no GPhC registration number, no pharmacist contact, no declared active ingredient for a product sold as a medicine.
If you would like to explore your options with Oxford Online Pharmacy, you will need to have a prescriber review that decides whether a Sildenafil oral spray, a tablet or a topical formulation is clinically appropriate for you. To discuss your options, start your free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Do ED sprays actually work?
It depends on the spray. Hezkue contains Sildenafil 12.5mg per spray (a prescription-only medicine) with an average onset time of around 25 minutes (ranging from 12 to 37 minutes). Eroxon StimGel (an over-the-counter medical device) has clinical trial evidence of around 65% success in mild-to-moderate ED. Nasal and herbal sprays sold online have no reliable clinical evidence. For severe vascular or post-prostatectomy ED, sprays are unlikely to work.
Is Hezkue the same as Viagra?
Hezkue contains Sildenafil, the same active ingredient as in Viagra, delivered as a 12.5mg oromucosal spray. It kicks in after an average of 25 minutes (ranging from 12 to 37 minutes), versus 30 to 60 minutes for the tablet. Both are prescription-only in the UK and share the same contraindications, including nitrates, recent heart attack and severe hypotension. Which formulation is appropriate for you is a clinician decision.
How long does an ED spray take to work?
Hezkue has an average onset of 25 minutes (ranging from 12 to 37 minutes) as per the official product information, with the effect lasting around 4 to 5 hours. Eroxon StimGel has an onset at around 10 minutes and lasts for the duration of the sexual encounter. Sildenafil tablets take 30 to 60 minutes to kick in. If a spray doesn’t work for you, don’t re-dose – speak to a clinician about your experience, they may recommend an alternative treatment.
Are ED sprays safe to use with heart conditions or nitrates?
No. Sildenafil sprays (Hezkue) carry the same contraindications as the tablet. Never combine them with any nitrate (GTN spray, Isosorbide mono-/dinitrate), amyl nitrite (‘poppers’), or after a recent heart attack or unstable angina. The spray format doesn’t reduce systemic heart risk. Eroxon is topical with minimal absorption and is generally more suitable in patients with heart conditions, but you should always consult a prescriber first.
Can I buy ED sprays over the counter in the UK?
Eroxon StimGel is available over the counter in UK pharmacies without a prescription. Hezkue is prescription only – so, you’d need a consultation with a UK prescriber to get it. Delay sprays such as Stud 100 are also available as pharmacy medicines, but these treat premature ejaculation, rather than ED. You should always try to avoid buying unregulated ‘ED sprays’ sold on Amazon or other social media, as they aren’t assessed by the MHRA.
Do herbal or natural ED sprays work?
ED sprays you buy online that are described as ‘herbal’ or ‘natural’ aren't official medicines, they are supplements that the authorities don't oversee. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) doesn't check them, what’s in them isn't always what the label says, and testing in labs has many times shown that they contain prescription medicines that aren't declared on the packaging. The MHRA has specifically issued warnings about buying ED products from unlicensed online sellers. If you want something approved by the MHRA, you could try Eroxon (available over the counter), or have a consultation with a pharmacist to get a prescription-only medicine like Sildenafil.
Are delay sprays (like Stud 100) the same as ED sprays?
No. Stud 100 is a Lidocaine 9.6% topical spray licensed as a pharmacy medicine for premature ejaculation, not erectile dysfunction (ED). It reduces penile sensitivity to delay climax, and it doesn’t cause or maintain an erection. If you have premature ejaculation, a delay spray may be a suitable product for you.
Is an HRT spray the same as an ED spray?
No. HRT sprays (such as Lenzetto) deliver Oestradiol for menopausal hormone replacement therapy and are used by women. It has no role in erectile function. If you have ED, products that may be relevant are Hezkue (Sildenafil oral spray, prescription-only medicine), Eroxon (topical gel, over the counter) or a PDE5 inhibitor tablet (prescription-only medicine).
References
Erectile dysfunction. NHS inform (Scotland). [Accessed 2026 Apr 17].
Sildenafil 50 mg film-coated tablets. Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Milpharm Ltd. electronic Medicines Compendium.
VIAGRA 50 mg film-coated tablets. Summary of Product Characteristics, section 4.3 Contraindications. Viatris. electronic Medicines Compendium.
Krivoborodov GG, Zakharov KA, Vasilyuk VB, Rodionov GG, Vetrova MV. Pharmacokinetic features of sildenafil spray in healthy men depending on food intake. Urologiia. 2020;(5):50-56. PMID 33185345.
Nichols DJ, Muirhead GJ, Harness JA. Pharmacokinetics of sildenafil after single oral doses in healthy male subjects: absolute bioavailability, food effects and dose proportionality. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2002;53 Suppl 1:5S-12S. PMID 11879254.
Hezkue 12.5 mg/actuation oromucosal spray. Summary of Product Characteristics. Aspargo Labs Italia. electronic Medicines Compendium.