A crucial question for anyone considering using Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction is ‘how long does Viagra last?’ Introduced twenty years ago, millions of men worldwide have benefited from its use in treating erectile dysfunction. Viagra, containing the drug Sildenafil, is the first oral treatment available for this condition. Its ease of use and effective duration make it a preferred choice over previously available treatments.
Viagra’s effective duration is 4 hours, providing a 4-hour window during which sexual activity can occur.
How Do You Use Viagra?
Viagra comes in tablet form with doses of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Typically, doctors start with a prescription of Viagra 50mg for treatment. If this dose feels too strong or too weak, it can be adjusted based on how your body responds, with a minimum dose of 25mg and a maximum of 100mg.
Viagra is a tablet taken orally. The Viagra tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water about one hour before sexual activity, with a maximum of one dose per day.
The absorption speed of Viagra into the body can be affected if taken after a heavy meal or high-fat foods, like a cheeseburger and fries. Consuming Viagra after these types of meals will slow down the drug’s absorption, and it will take longer for Viagra to produce the desired effect.
Viagra does not cause an erection just by taking the pill. Sexual stimulation is needed for an erection to occur after taking Viagra.
How Soon After Taking Viagra Does It Start Working?
Viagra will begin to have the desired effect approximately 25 minutes after consumption. Within one hour of taking it, the medication reaches its peak blood levels. However, if Viagra is taken after consuming high-fat foods, like a cheeseburger, the time to reach peak blood levels will be delayed by about 1 hour, and the peak blood levels will be reduced by 29%.
The duration of Viagra’s effect is 4 hours. This means the medication remains effective for up to 4 hours after consumption in enhancing erectile function in men. This provides a 4-hour window during which sexual activity can occur.
Viagra’s quick onset and effectiveness for up to 4 hours after taking it allow couples a relaxed timeframe to engage in sexual activity. This can provide positive benefits for some men with erectile dysfunction by reducing performance anxiety. After sexual intercourse, the erection should naturally subside.
Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Viagra?
It’s okay to drink alcohol moderately while taking Viagra or Sildenafil. However, it’s important to avoid excessive alcohol consumption. This is because alcohol can affect your ability to get and maintain an erection. It can also cause a temporary drop in blood pressure, which may increase the risk of feeling dizzy when standing up.
How Does Viagra Work in the Body?
Viagra belongs to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. This name comes from how the drug works inside the body.
PDE-5 inhibitors work by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow helps improve erectile function.
Viagra achieves this effect in the body by inhibiting PDE-5. This action prevents the breakdown of cGMP in the penis, leading to higher levels of cGMP in the tissue. Increased cGMP levels cause smooth muscles to relax, which in turn enhances arterial blood flow. Increased blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation allows for an erection to occur.