Perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions related to sildenafil citrate (brand name Viagra®) and other similar erectile dysfunction (ED) medications known as PDE5 inhibitors is “How long do its effects last?”
In a nutshell, sildenafil’s effects usually last up to 4 hours, peaking at full effect around 2 hours and 30 minutes after taking it.
However, plenty of factors affect the drug’s absorption and metabolism.
What doses does sildenafil come in?
Generic sildenafil is available in the following doses for ED patients: 20 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
Your healthcare provider can help determine which dosage works best for you based on your medical history, pre-existing medical conditions, and any prescription medications you’re currently on.
Sildenafil dosages are often based on the following factors:
- Your age range
- Your overall physical and cardiovascular health
- Any other pre-existing medical conditions you may have
- Your reaction to the first starting dose
- How often you take the drug
Consult your doctor before going on sildenafil for ED or before changing your recommended dosage – taking more sildenafil doesn’t always mean a more satisfying erection. On the contrary, excessively high doses might lead to more frequent side effects.
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Why does sildenafil come in different dosages?
ED medication wasn’t developed so that patients could take the highest possible dose they could handle.
Instead, the ultimate goal is to find the safest, lowest possible dosage of medicine enough to produce and sustain a satisfying, longer-lasting erection.
However, individuals suffering from ED symptoms each have their own specific needs. Thus, you should discuss your expectations about taking sildenafil with your healthcare provider and, above all, be truthful as to how you plan to use the drug.
Consider asking yourself the following questions beforehand:
- How often do you plan to have sex weekly?
- Do you plan to take sildenafil at the right time for it to work effectively?
- Do you have any concerns about potential side effects?
For many, the 20 or 25 mg dosage might be all they need to get the most out of sildenafil’s erection and circulatory-boosting properties.
Other men might require a much higher dose (e.g., 100 mg) to achieve the same result.
How long do sildenafil’s effects last?
In general, sildenafil’s effects last around 2-4 hours for dosages ranging from 20 to 25 mg and 4-6 hours for dosages of 50 mg.
Once the medicine fully kicks in, you may experience something at full potency around that amount of time.
However, your body doesn’t fully metabolize it at that point – the amount of sildenafil present in your system decreases steadily over time, and its half-life takes around 3 to 5 hours, depending on the dosage.
This means you might still experience its effects up to 4-8 hours after taking sildenafil. It all depends on the dosage you took, how fast it was absorbed, and how much sexual activity you engaged in within that timeframe.
For instance, an individual who has been physically exerting himself for hours may struggle to perform even if they had a full dose of sildenafil still present in their bloodstream.
It must be noted that sildenafil and other PDE5 inhibiting treatments will NOT give you an erection for the entire time they are in your system.
Rather, they merely allow you to obtain a satisfying erection while being sexually stimulated. After ejaculation, your erection will still subside as normal.
How long does it take until sildenafil leaves my system?
Sildenafil usually leaves the bloodstream after 2 to 3 hours. However, it might take up to 4 to 8 hours for sildenafil to fully leave your system.
Higher dosages will take longer to leave the body. A 25 mg dose starts wearing off after a couple of hours, but a 100 mg dose may take four times longer to depart from your bloodstream.
How does sildenafil treat erectile dysfunction?
Sildenafil belongs to a category of medicines known as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors. This includes related drugs such as tadalafil (Cialis®), vardenafil (Levitra®), and avanafil (Stendra®).
Interestingly, sildenafil was developed as an active ingredient to treat angina (chest pain).
PDE5 inhibitors prevent the effects of an enzyme called PDE5. PDE5 breaks down a chemical known as cGMP, a primary contributor to the cessation of an erection.
cGMP causes the smooth muscles to relax, leading to an inflow of blood that enters the shaft of the penis. The blood becomes trapped within the penile tissue as the muscles relax, leading to an erection.
After this, the body instructs PDE5 to break down cGMP, causing the blood to flow out of penile tissue, signaling the end of the erection.
Some individuals have this end phase of the erection occurring prematurely, or worse – completely unable to obtain an erection at all. These men are said to be experiencing ED and its symptoms.
Sildenafil, like other PDE5 inhibitors of its ilk, prevents PDE5 from breaking cGMP down, allowing the body to retain relaxed penile muscles and tissues.
This effectively traps the blood within the penis, keeping it sufficiently erect enough to enjoy sexual intercourse by dilating blood vessels and enhancing blood flow.
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How long can the average man stay erect?
There’s no hard and fast rule on how long a so-called “average” erection should last. The same is true as far as the “average” length of sexual intercourse is concerned. Every individual – and therefore every erection – is different.
The following factors that affect the duration of an erection are as follows:
- Age. The older a man is, the more likely he will experience some form of sexual dysfunction. Older men may experience less frequent and satisfying erections compared to younger men.
- Overall health. Certain conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, ED, and hypertension may cause difficulties in achieving and keeping an erection.
- Emotional state. Stress, anxiety, depression, and distraction can all influence a man’s ability (or inability) to maintain an erection.
- Alcohol or recreational drug consumption. Alcohol and recreational drug use, including certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and anti-hypertensives, may cause ED.
How should I take sildenafil for the best results?
Always take sildenafil only as directed by your doctor. Sildenafil can be taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity, but it should not be taken more than once within 24 hours. Sildenafil can be taken with or without food; however, taking it with a high-fat, high-calorie meal may cause it to take longer to kick in. Excessive use of sildenafil may heighten the risk of experiencing side effects.
