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How Long Does Viagra Last? Duration and Effectiveness

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Written by- Julian Carter
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Viagra is a medication commonly used to address Erectile Dysfunction (ED). It offers a potential solution for individuals facing this issue.

The medicine may be an effective remedy for ED. But how long does Viagra last? The duration of Viagra’s action is an essential factor to consider when choosing this medicine.

This article explores Viagra’s longevity, the factors that affect its duration, and the potential experiences individuals may have when using this medication.

How long does Viagra last

Blue PillsSource: Iurii_Maksymiv
Blue Pills

Viagra or its generic version Sildenafil should last up to 3 to 5 hours. Its effects begin to wear off only after 2 hours of action.

Viagra or Sildenafil usually begins working within 30 to 60 minutes of consumption.

Dosage, metabolism, and other external factors like body weight or age might affect Viagra’s onset and duration of action.

Though Viagra can last up to 5 hours, it won’t give you a continuous erection for this long. It makes it easier to achieve consecutive erections during this time frame.

Viagra cannot make you achieve an erection immediately after ejaculation. This is because the body goes through a recovery phase after ejaculation, known as the refractory period, during which you cannot get erect.

However, Viagra can reduce the refractory period, helping your body recover faster and allowing you to get aroused again.

Are you wondering if Viagra makes you bigger or just hard for a fulfilling sexual experience? Read Does Viagra Make You Bigger or Just Hard? to find the right answer.

Warning
Viagra is a prescription-based medicine and should be taken only when the doctor recommends it.

Factors that affect the longevity of Viagra

Multiple factors affect the duration of Viagra’s activity. An individual’s age, health, and the medicine’s dosage can affect how long Viagra takes to work and how long it lasts.

Let us take a closer look at the factors affecting the longevity of Viagra.

Dosage

Viagra’s dosage or amount can affect how long it will last in your body. 

The 25 mg or 50 mg of Viagra might not last as long as the 100mg pill. 

Do not consume higher dosages without consulting a doctor as it might lead to undesired adverse effects.

It is also advisable to only take one pill a day. Increasing the dosage can lead to dangerous side effects, such as a painful erection that lasts for more than 4 hours (Priapism).

Age

Age affects the duration of the medicine’s activity. Viagra might last longer in older individuals.

Older people have a slower metabolism, which affects the time it takes for the body to break down the drug. As a result, older men may experience the effects of Viagra for a longer period.

Due to this, seniors are usually prescribed a lower dose of Viagra than younger men.

Recommended read: Unlocking the Truth: Is Viagra Safe for Seniors

Health and medications

Viagra’s effects depend on your health conditions and the medicines you take. Diseases like Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, and kidney disorders affect the longevity of Viagra pills. 

Similarly, medicines like Erythromycin (Ery-Tab), Clarithromycin (Biaxin), and Ciprofloxacin also affect how long Viagra lasts.

Learn about the medicines, foods, and diseases that interact with Viagra (Sildenafil) in the recommended article: Know More About Sildenafil Interactions

Food

Experts recommend taking Viagra on an empty stomach. Eating a heavy meal before taking Viagra can affect the absorption of the medicine in the bloodstream.

It can slow down the onset of Viagra’s action and affect how long it lasts. Therefore, proper planning is essential when using Viagra.

Avoid consuming high-fat meals before taking this medicine. It may be okay to have a light meal.

How does Viagra work

Blue Pills StripSource: Iurii_Maksymiv
Blue Pills Strip

Viagra contains Sildenafil Citrate, which belongs to a group of medicines known as Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE 5).

These medicines work by blocking the activity of PDE 5 enzymes. This inhibition increases the body’s cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) levels.

Increased cGMP levels in the body help in relaxing the blood vessels in the penile region.

This relaxation further facilitates getting and keeping a desired erection during sexual intercourse.

Need a detailed understanding of Viagra’s working? Read How does Viagra work

Ultimately

Viagra is known for its effectiveness in treating Erectile Dysfunction in men. But how long does Viagra last?

Viagra’s effects last for almost 3 to 5 hours in the body. These effects start to wear off only after 2 hours.

For the proper effects, one must take this pill almost 30 minutes before planned sexual intercourse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Viagra help you last longer?

Viagra does not help you to last longer in bed. It is only used to treat Erectile Dysfunction in men.
Duratia is an effective pill to treat Premature Ejaculation and help you last longer in bed.

How long does it take for Viagra to peak?

Viagra takes almost 30 minutes to show its peak effect.

How long Viagra stays in our system?

Viagra stays in our bodies for almost 3 to 5 hours.

The effects of Viagra, however, begin to wear off after 2 hours.

Can I take Viagra over the counter?

You can not take Viagra over the counter as it’s a prescription-based tablet.

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