The effects of Sildenafil (Viagra) can vary from person to person. Ideally, Sildenafil should be taken 60 minutes before it is required, and can last for around 4 hours. But, generally the effects will start to wear off after 2 to 3 hours.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Erection from Sildenafil?

Sildenafil should start to show its effects 30 minutes after consumption. However, this can vary from person to person. Sexual stimulation is usually required, in addition to Sildenafil to achieve an erection. When you first start taking Sildenafil, you may not experience the desired results; however, if you continue taking Sildenafil once every day, for a few days, you may find that your results improve.

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What factors affect the longevity and dosage of Sildenafil?

The medication dosage and effects of Sildenafil can vary from person to person. Some factors which may influence the effects of Sildenafil are as follows:

  • Drug Interactions: Sildenafil can interact with different medications, which can affect its efficiency or cause unwanted side effects.
  • Health: Sildenafil is not recommended for older men suffering from liver or kidney problems. Since the liver is not in the best condition, it may take longer for Sildenafil to be broken down by the liver. On the other hand, kidney problems may result in the medication being removed from the body faster than desired.
  • Alcohol: Consumption of more than 2-3 units of alcohol can alter the effects of Sildenafil. Alcohol impairs the nervous system and therefore can make it harder to obtain an erection. High alcohol levels, also interfere with the absorption of medication, and it can expel the medication more quickly from the body, as it tries to bring the alcohol levels down to normal. It is also worth noting that Sildenafil and alcohol can both lower your blood pressure, therefore you may also experience side effects such as dizziness and fainting.
  • Diet: Taking Sildenafil during a heavy meal, high in proteins and fats, can delay the effects of Viagra. The body will prioritise digesting the food, before the Viagra. Therefore, taking Sildenafil on an empty stomach result in faster results.
  • Age: In men over 65 years old, the effects of Sildenafil are likely to last longer than in younger men. This is due to the slowing of metabolism when we age. In older men, the medication will stay in the bloodstream for longer, causing prolonged effects.

    • Which treatments last longer?

    When exploring treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), duration of effectiveness is a key factor for many. While Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, typically lasts for 4-6 hours, there are other ED treatments available that offer extended performance.

    Tadalafil, known by its brand name Cialis, stands out with its long-lasting effects of up to 36 hours. This length of duration can offer a more spontaneous experience for men who don’t want to time their medication.

    Another option is Spedra (Avanafil) with a quicker onset but a similar duration to Sildenafil.

    Summary Table

    Treatment Onset of Action Duration
    Sildenafil (Viagra) 30-60 minutes 4-6 hours
    Tadalafil (Cialis) 30 minutes – 2 hours Up to 36 hours
    Avanafil (Spedra) 15-30 minutes 4-6 hours
    Vardenafil (Levitra) 25-60 minutes 4-5 hours