{"id":8185,"date":"2020-01-14T15:04:33","date_gmt":"2020-01-14T20:04:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=8185"},"modified":"2024-05-21T13:40:02","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T17:40:02","slug":"how-does-viagra-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-does-viagra-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How does Viagra work and how long does it last?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is Viagra<\/a> | How does Viagra work<\/a> | How long does Viagra last<\/a> | Dosage<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | Interactions<\/a> | How do you know if you need Viagra<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Alternatives<\/a><\/p>\n

Taking Viagra for the first time often sparks a series of questions. How does Viagra work? What can I expect? How long does Viagra last? What kind of side effects are normal and require medical attention? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the little blue pill.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What is Viagra?<\/h2>\n

Viagra<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>sildenafil<\/span><\/a>) is a prescription drug used to treat <\/span>erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/a> (ED) in men. Viagra can’t cure ED or increase sexual desire, but it can help relax muscles and increase blood flow to cause an erection. Viagra (manufactured by Pfizer) is a brand name for the generic medication sildenafil citrate. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat sexual impotence, but sildenafil may also treat pulmonary arterial hypertension. Viagra is a vasodilator that is only available by prescription. You cannot purchase Viagra over the counter in the U.S.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How does Viagra work?<\/h2>\n

Viagra works by relaxing muscles in blood vessel walls to help increase blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection. Viagra is only effective if there is sexual stimulation, such as that occurring during sexual intercourse. When stimulation first happens, Viagra helps increase blood flow to the penis and then works to help maintain an erection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the <\/span>Boston University School of Sexual Medicine<\/span><\/a>, erectile dysfunction affects up to 52% of men between the ages of 40-70, many of whom turn to erectile dysfunction medications to help with their symptoms. Viagra is a type of erectile dysfunction drug called a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor. PDE5 inhibitors keep a particular enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) from acting too quickly. If PDE5 acts slower, then a substance that’s responsible for relaxing muscles and widening blood vessels can do its job.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Viagra will not be as effective for people with certain conditions. Those who are sick, fatigued, or intoxicated may not see full benefits from taking Viagra. Alcohol can worsen the side effects of viagra and potentially make erectile dysfunction worse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How quickly does Viagra work?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Viagra should be taken on an empty stomach about <\/span>one hour before<\/span><\/a> sex. The medication will start working within 30-60 minutes, but sexual stimulation is needed for Viagra to cause an erection. \u201cSome patients experience the effects of Viagra within 20-30 minutes after taking the medication,\u201d says Amber Williams, PharmD, a compounding pharmacist at Family Pharmacy in Sarasota. \u201cHowever, if the dose is taken with a high-fat meal, the peak response may be delayed for up to 60 minutes. In most patients, the effects of Viagra will last for up to two hours. A duration of two hours or less indicates that an appropriate dose was taken. If the duration is greater than four hours, medical attention should be sought out immediately to avoid damaging effects on the tissues.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

The amount of time that Viagra will last depends on many factors. Dosage, age, and overall health are just some of the factors that can impact how well Viagra works and lasts for someone. A smaller dosage of Viagra means that the drug won’t last as long, and for older adults, taking a lower dosage is recommended.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Viagra is taken <\/span>before<\/span><\/i> sexual activity, as it takes time for Viagra to absorb into the bloodstream. It’s unlikely that Viagra will make you last longer in bed. However, some men may experience multiple erections while Viagra is in their system. Once it starts working, Viagra typically lasts for up to four or five hours. If you experience an erection that lasts longer than this (priapism) or is painful, it may be time to seek medical advice.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Viagra dosage<\/h2>\n

The average dose of Viagra is 25-100 mg, taken 30 to 60 minutes or up to four hours before sexual activity. For adults over the age of 65, the <\/span>recommended dose<\/span><\/a> is 25 mg. Many older adults have slower metabolisms, which means that a lower dose may last longer for them in comparison to a younger person taking a small dose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Viagra make you last longer?<\/span><\/h3>\n

It is unlikely that Viagra will make you last longer. However, it can help those who<\/span> experience premature ejaculation<\/span><\/a>. Viagra also won’t necessarily help you recover faster after an orgasm. This recovery time is known as the refractory period and varies for each individual. Some men can have several erections while taking Viagra, but this will depend on their metabolism. Consuming alcohol while taking Viagra can make the medication less effective by decreasing blood flow to the penis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Viagra warnings<\/h2>\n

For people with certain medical conditions, Viagra might not last as long. Feelings of anxiety, depression, or nervousness often cause Viagra not to last as long or be as effective. Having a heart problem, heart disease, diabetes, or other nervous system problems can also cause Viagra not to last as long.<\/span><\/p>\n

Viagra is not FDA indicated for use in females or pediatric patients. Viagra should also not be used in men that were advised to abstain from sexual activity due to underlying cardiovascular concerns. Use of Viagra is <\/span>contraindicated<\/span><\/a> in those taking nitrates or guanylate cyclase stimulators (riociguat).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Viagra drug interactions<\/h2>\n

Certain medications may <\/span>interact negatively<\/span><\/a> with Viagra and interfere with its effectiveness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n