{"id":58734,"date":"2023-06-06T13:20:57","date_gmt":"2023-06-06T17:20:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=58734"},"modified":"2025-01-10T10:44:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T15:44:58","slug":"how-long-does-viagra-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-viagra-last\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does it take Viagra to kick in?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Since its FDA approval in 1998, <\/span>Viagra<\/span><\/a> (sildenafil citrate) has become a well-known prescription medication for treating <\/span>erectile dysfunction (ED)<\/span><\/a>, affecting about 30 million men in the U.S. alone. But to ensure it works, it\u2019s not as simple as popping the little blue pill. For best results, timing may be everything. Read on to learn when to take Viagra, how long it takes Viagra to work, and more need-to-know tips.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does it take for Viagra to work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Viagra is recommended to be taken about one hour before you plan to have sex and lasts for around four hours. So it\u2019s crucial to time doses wisely. For example, don\u2019t take it in the morning if you expect to have sex at night.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For most men, Viagra typically begins working in less than 30 minutes but could take up to an hour. While Viagra\u2019s effects usually start to kick in within the first 30 minutes, the drug may not reach peak levels in the blood until two hours after administration. This means you might not feel its full effects until two hours after taking it. You\u2019ll know it\u2019s working when you find that when you\u2019re aroused and during sexual stimulations, you\u2019re able to achieve and maintain an erection.<\/span><\/p>\n

To achieve the optimal effects of Viagra, plan your dose to avoid consuming too much food and alcohol beforehand. \u201cThe best way to take Viagra is either one hour before sex on an empty stomach or two hours after a meal to avoid a delay in effectiveness,\u201d says Barrett Cowan, MD, a reproductive urologist at<\/span> Posterity Health<\/span><\/a> in Greenwood Village, Colorado. And since alcohol worsens erectile function, keep the drinks to a minimum to avoid negating Viagra\u2019s effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Because most erectile dysfunction is caused by impaired blood flow to the penis, Viagra works to increase penile blood flow. It was the first of a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors designed to help men achieve and maintain an erection by <\/span>blocking the PDE5 enzyme<\/span><\/a>, thereby relaxing the blood vessel walls and increasing blood flow to the penis. Viagra doesn\u2019t cause an erection automatically, however. You must be sexually aroused for it to work.<\/span><\/p>\n

Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors, such as <\/span>Cialis<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>tadalafil<\/span><\/a>) and Levitra (<\/span>vardenafil<\/span><\/a>), can also be used for ED caused by psychological reasons. However, they won\u2019t target the underlying psychological causes, as they work to enhance blood flow to the penis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cialis coupons<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Levitra coupons<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How long does Viagra last?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Viagra\u2019s effects typically last up to four hours, sometimes more, depending on the dose and the individual. However, this doesn\u2019t mean that a sustained erection will last for this time (an erection lasting more than four hours, known as <\/span>priapism<\/span><\/a>, is a rare potential side effect that can cause lasting damage\u2014seek medical attention if this happens.). Instead, it means that the increased blood flow to your penis should help you to achieve and maintain an erection when you\u2019re sexually aroused within a three to four-hour window.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While Viagra can help you produce an erection, it doesn\u2019t make you last longer or affect the amount of time before you ejaculate. If you suffer from premature ejaculation, Viagra won\u2019t change your sensitivity to extend the time before ejaculation. \u201cThe circulatory system produces erections,\u201d says Dr. Brandeis, \u201cwhile orgasm is a function of sensitivity and the nervous system.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Viagra <\/span>may shorten the refractory period<\/span><\/a>\u2014the interval after ejaculation before the penis can become erect again\u2014which may<\/span> enable users to prolong their sexual activity throughout the medicine\u2019s window of effectiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n

What factors affect how long Viagra lasts?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Viagra works for most men most of the time. However, several factors may affect the duration and effects of Viagra. The following six factors may slow Viagra\u2019s absorption and reduce its concentration in the body, which may make it less effective or shorter lasting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall health<\/span><\/h3>\n

Because ED is typically a symptom of problems with circulation or other health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, the underlying cause of your ED can affect how well you respond to it. Being in good health may make Viagra more effective at producing a strong and longer-lasting erection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage<\/span><\/h3>\n

The amount of Viagra you take may affect how long it remains in your system. For instance, a 100 mg dose of Viagra may make the effects last longer, but it may not be as safe for some as a 25 mg or 50 mg dose. In addition, it won’t necessarily double or extend the effect duration in a linear manner. Each person\u2019s body may process the medication differently.<\/span><\/p>\n

Age\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

In general, Viagra works longer for older men because it tends to take longer for their bodies to metabolize the medicine. While that may sound like a bonus, having Viagra in your system for longer increases the risk of adverse side effects. Dr. Cowan says that he typically prescribes a lower dose to older patients, who also are more likely to have reduced kidney and liver function.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Food and alcohol consumption\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Taking Viagra after eating, especially fatty foods, can slow down the medicine\u2019s effects. And while there\u2019s nothing wrong with having a glass of wine if it helps to set the mood,\u00a0 alcohol use is a common cause of ED, so drinking alcohol while taking Viagra is counterproductive. Plus, <\/span>\u00a0heavy drinking has been shown to increase some of Viagra\u2019s side effects<\/span><\/a>,<\/b> including headaches, facial flushing, dizziness, and even chest constriction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Being a smoker<\/span> \u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Smoking, which causes blood vessels to lose their elasticity over time, can slow how long Viagra takes to start working and weaken its effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tips for taking Viagra<\/span><\/h2>\n

While it\u2019s always important to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider and pharmacist, these additional tips can help ensure you have the best and safest experience with Viagra.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Take it on an empty stomach, or two hours after a meal<\/span><\/h3>\n

Viagra works faster and often better on an empty stomach. Of course, if you\u2019re concerned about having enough energy to have sex, it might be a good idea to eat something low in fat and wait a couple of hours. Fatty foods like cheeseburgers and french fries can delay Viagra\u2019s effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Watch your alcohol intake<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many people combine sex and alcohol use. The good news is it\u2019s <\/span>generally considered safe to have a drink with Viagra<\/span><\/a>. However, excessive alcohol consumption is associated with dulled sexual function, and studies have shown it can increase the chance of side effects, including dizziness and chest discomfort.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Avoid grapefruit.\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Viagra can also interact with grapefruits and grapefruit juice. It has been shown to <\/span>increase the levels of Viagra<\/span><\/a> in your body, which can increase the risk of side effects. If you want to eat grapefruit products, speak to your healthcare provider about whether a lower dose of Viagra is an option.<\/span><\/h3>\n