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Viagra Overview
Viagra, a brand name for sildenafil, is a type of medicine that healthcare providers use to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
Erectile dysfunction (ED)—when a person experiences trouble getting or maintaining an erection—can be stressful, and worrying about how long Viagra lasts will not help the situation. Typically, Viagra—a medication healthcare providers prescribe to treat ED—lasts for about 4–5 hours, but because erectile dysfunction is so joint, affecting 30–50 million people in the U.S., this time frame is not one-size-fits-all. Several factors can come into play to determine both how long Viagra takes to work and how long it lasts.
Viagra is called a PDE5 inhibitor because it prevents the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) from breaking down a molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
cGMP helps relax the penile muscles and the blood vessels that go into the penis, improving penile blood flow. (Jackson, G., Gillies, H. and Osterloh, I., 2005.)
How Much Time Does It Take To Start Working?
It works by relaxing muscles to improve blood flow, making it easier to get and maintain an erection. Viagra hits peak levels in your body after 60–120 minutes, but it starts to work 30 minutes after taking it. It can last in your body for up to four to five hours, but your age, health, and diet all affect the exact amount of time it will work. You should never take more doses than the prescribed dose, even if the medication doesn’t work after 30 minutes recommended dose.
It blocks this enzyme from breaking down the messenger that kick-starts the blood flow needed to get and maintain an erection. The medication doesn’t just cause spontaneous erections—it makes them easier to form. You’ll still also need to be sexually aroused to get an erection.
How Long Does It Last In Your Systems?
Viagra is at its most effective stage in the first 0-5 hours, but in many cases, the drug can continue to give you an erection for an additional time. It is usually observed that the medicine Viagra will remain in your system for around 24 hours, although after about 12 hours, Viagra will typically reduce its effects.
Once you take Viagra, you can expect an erection to last up to 33 minutes. Results may vary depending on the age factor.
Viagra effects only kick in when you feel aroused – you won’t get an erection with Viagra if you aren’t feeling ‘turned on. You won’t have a constant erection,
Drug Interactions With Viagra
Before starting Viagra or sildenafil, tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions. Some drugs, in
particular, include:
- Nitrates: Viagra is contraindicated if you also take nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) for your chest pain. These drugs can make your blood pressure drop to life-threatening levels. You must wait at least 24 hours after taking Viagra before taking nitrates safely.
- Ritonavir: Ritonavir affects the CYP3A4 enzyme. and that helps to increase the level to the point where it alters the metabolism. Taking these drugs together is not recommended.
- Acebutolol: Viagra adds up to the blood pressure-lowering effect of acebutolol. Contact your doctor if you experience signs and symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or flushing.
Factors And Warnings
Some medical conditions can interact negatively with Viagra. If you have the following, speak with your healthcare provider before taking Viagra.
Blood Pressure Issues
Viagra relaxes the muscles of your blood vessels to improve blood flow. However, this can also cause low blood pressure. If your blood pressure drops too low, dizziness, etc. You should not take Viagra if you already have low blood pressure, as Viagra may worsen the condition. Similarly, take even further if you have high blood pressure (hypertension) and use medications to lower it (antihypertensives).
This is especially true if you take an alpha-blocker antihypertensive, like terazosin. Alpha-blockers like tamsulosin (brand name Flomax) are also used to treat prostate issues and can have the same low blood pressure effect if taken with Viagra.
Heart Problems
People with heart conditions, such as a history of a recent stroke, heart attack, or chest pain, should check with their healthcare provider before taking Viagra.
Vision Concerns
Viagra may increase your risk of vision loss due to non-arteritis ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a tiny stroke of the optic nerve. If you have a history of or risk factors for NAION, you should use caution with Viagra. Viagra has also been reported to cause changes in color vision in some people.
Lastly, anyone with an allergy or hypersensitivity reaction to Viagra should not use the medication.
Key Points
- Viagra, a brand name for sildenafil, is a type of medicine that healthcare providers use to treat erectile dysfunction (ED).
- Viagra hits peak levels in your body after 60–120 minutes, but it starts to work 30 minutes after taking it.
- It is usually observed that the medicine Viagra will remain in your system for around 24 hours, although after about 12 hours, Viagra will typically reduce its effects.
The concentration of the medicine Viagra in the blood peaks around 30–120 minutes after taking the drug — usually around the 60-minute mark. It is possible to start feeling the effects of Viagra at any time during this window.
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