Sildenafil citrate, more commonly known by the brand name Viagra and generic name Cenforce, is one of the most well-known and widely used prescription medications for erectile dysfunction.
It's been approved on the market for a long time. In most cases, a single tablet of this ED medication is all it takes to improve blood flow for a regular and easily sustained erection.
Just like all medicines, the active ingredient Sildenafil has a specific half-life in your body, which determines how long its effects last.
If you have questions about how long the effects of Sildenafil last and what you can do to get the most out of it, read on. We break it down in this blog.
How does Sildenafil work?
Sildenafil is a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitors help improve blood circulation to your penis, making it easier to get and sustain an erection. They work by blocking an enzyme known as PFE5, which is normally responsible for breaking down chemicals that help you attain and sustain a firm penile erection. By inhibiting PDE5, Sildenafil enables you to keep an erection more easily.
How Long Does Sildenafil Last?
Studies mention that the effects of Sildenafil last for at least 6 hours in your system. However, this duration can vary from individual to individual. It's important to note that Viagra does not continuously produce an erection for the entire duration of its effectiveness. Instead, it helps get an erection only when you are sexually stimulated.
After taking Sildenafil, you may notice its peak effects within the first 2 hours. However, its effects fade gradually after that period.
If you experience an erection lasting more than 4 hours, it's important to seek medical attention. This is because a prolonged erection can be a sign of a serious medical condition called priapism.
How Long Does Sildenafil Take to Work?
You can expect your Sildenafil tablet to take effect within 30 minutes of your dose. But most healthcare providers recommend timing it as close to an hour before intercourse.
However, all people are different. Some may notice effects within 12 minutes after taking the ED medicine.
You can see variation between individuals because factors such as metabolism and overall health can affect how quickly Sildenafil enters the bloodstream, and the faster it is absorbed, the faster it starts showing its effects. For example, the absorption rate of this drug is slower if you have a slower metabolism.
Eating heavy meals before taking Sildenafil can also delay its effects. In the fasting state, the medicine takes about 30 minutes to start working, whereas this time may be delayed to 4 hours if taken with a high-fat meal. This means the full effects of this drug can be delayed depending on what you have taken.
Does Anything Affect the Longevity of Sildenafil?
There are several factors that can have a significant effect on how well Sildenafil works and for how long it remains effective in your body. Some of these include -
Metabolism: Your body's metabolism helps process Sildenafil. If you have a faster metabolism, this ED medication may wear off sooner. A slower metabolism can make this ED medicine last longer. This is one reason the effects can vary from individual to individual.
Health ailments: Your body can respond differently to Sildenafil if you have certain health ailments, such as liver, heart, or kidney problems. In such cases, a lower dose of this medicine is usually prescribed.
Diet: When you take a high-fat meal just before taking PDE5 inhibitors, your body absorbs the medicine more slowly. That does not mean the effects will last longer; it just takes longer to kick in.
Other medications: Several medicines can interact with Sildenafil citrate and cause potential side effects. For example, taking this medicine with the antibiotic erythromycin can raise the amount of Sildenafil in your body, potentially changing how long it stays active in your body.
Can You Make Sildenafil Last Longer?
A lot of people wonder if there is a way to make sildenafil last longer. You can’t actually make the medication stay in your body longer, but you can do a few things to improve how well it works. Here’s what to try:
Be patient - Sildenafil may not work for everyone immediately. It may take several dosage adjustments to find the right dosage that works best for you.
Relax - Stress and anxiety can cause erectile dysfunction in men. Try to relax and focus on enjoying the moment rather than stressing about performance.
Communication - Open communication with your partner can help reduce anxiety and enhance intimacy. Discuss your preferences and concerns to ensure a satisfying sexual encounter for both of you.
Proper hydration - Drinking enough water can help improve blood flow and overall well-being, leading to better sexual performance.
Sildenafil Versus Other Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
PDE5 inhibitors are the most common group of medicines used to address erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil was the first PDE5 inhibitor introduced, but there are other options you can turn to.
Vardenafil - This PDE5 inhibitor is available under several generic names, such as Vilitra 20 mg and Vitara-V 60 mg. The effects last for around 5-7 hours.
Tadalafil - Compared with other PDE5 inhibitors, Tadalafil has a significantly longer duration of action for up to 36 hours. This prolonged duration offers greater spontaneity and flexibility for patients, making it distinct from shorter-acting alternatives.
Note - All medications discussed above require a prescription from a licensed health care provider.
Apart from medications, other medical options for treating the symptoms of ED are -
- Penile pumps
- Psychotherapy
- Intraurethral alprostadil pellets
- Penile implants
Certain alternative therapies are thought to improve erectile dysfunction in men. Although the evidence supporting their use is generally weak, these include L-arginine, Ginseng, Yohimbe, and acupuncture.
Who Should Not Take Sildenafil?
While Sildenafil can be an effective ED treatment option, it is not suitable for all individuals. Sildenafil may not be recommended if the person -
- Is allergic to Sildenafil or other ingredients in the medication.
- Recently taken nitrates for chest pain.
- Is taking St. John's wort
- Has a stomach ulcer
- Has recently had a heart attack or stroke
- Is prone to low blood pressure.
Possible Side Effects of Sildenafil
Like any medicine, Sildenafil can sometimes cause adverse effects. Not every man gets them and most of the side effects reported are fairly mild and don’t last long.
The most commonly reported side effects include-
- Headaches
- Dizziness.
- Facial flushing.
- Stuffy nose
- Indigestion.
- Nausea.
In rare cases, Sildenafil can also cause some serious side effects such as
- Prolonged and painful erection (priapism).
- Sudden vision or hearing loss
- Cardiovascular issues, which mainly occur in men with heart disease. Examples include
- stroke, heart attacks, and irregular heart rhythm.
If you develop serious side effects while taking this PDE5 inhibitor, call your doctor right away.
When to see a doctor
Men concerned about erectile function should see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. ED can be caused by various underlying medical problems and lifestyle factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight, and depression, so it's crucial to bring these under control when treating ED.
Sildenafil is a prescription medicine, so it should be used only after consulting your doctor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sildenafil works within 30 minutes after intake. It offers 4 hours of effectiveness, but won’t keep you erect the whole time but only when you are sexually stimulated. Taking more than the recommended amount won’t help and can cause adverse effects. Always consult your health care professional before taking this medication. Remember, open communication with your medical provider is key to achieving the optimal results from this medication.
