How Long Does Viagra Last?

Not sure what to expect from Viagra? It's natural to have questions when you’re starting a new medication, especially if you want to get the best results possible. 

Here's our guide to taking Viagra, how long it lasts and how you can get the most from it. 

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a popular medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, also known as male impotence. This is when a man can’t get or maintain erections during sexual activity.

Viagra contains the active drug sildenafil citrate, a type of drug known as a PDE5 inhibitor. It helps increase blood flow to your penis by relaxing your blood vessels, helping you get erections when you're aroused. 

Sildenafil only treats the lack of blood flow associated with erectile dysfunction. It won't give you an erection during sex unless you experience sexual arousal. If you're experiencing a low sex drive rather than erectile dysfunction, speak to your healthcare provider for more support. 

How to take Viagra

Take one Viagra pill around an hour before sexual activity. It takes, on average, around 30-60 minutes to work.  

How long does Viagra last?

You should be able to get an erection when aroused for around four hours after you take Viagra. However, unlike depictions of Viagra in film and TV, you won't have a constant erection. It only works when you're aroused. 

Factors that affect how long Viagra lasts

• Age – Your metabolism slows as you age, which means Viagra could last longer as you get older.
• Medications – Some prescription medications can cause drug interactions if you take them with Viagra. Check with your healthcare provider before you try Viagra to discuss any potential side effects or medications you’re taking, especially for diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Food – To get best results, you should avoid eating before taking Viagra.  Heavy or high-fat meals can slow the absorption of the drug, making it take longer to work. 
• Medical conditions – Diabetes and heart conditions can make Viagra less effective.
• Alcohol – Drinking alcohol reduces penile blood flow, so high alcohol consumption can affect your erections even if you don't have ED.
• Illegal drugs – Recreational drugs may affect how well Viagra works and can cause adverse side effects. This includes amyl nitrate ('poppers'). 
• Mental health – Viagra can be less effective when you're feeling stressed or anxious, or if you have performance anxiety.

How can I make Viagra last longer?

Some lifestyle factors can affect Viagra’s efficacy. You may be able to affect Viagra's effectiveness by making some small changes.

• Reduce alcohol consumption – Excessive drinking is linked with erectile dysfunction, so lowering your alcohol intake can make it easier to get erections.
• Don’t smoke – Smoking can damage your blood vessels, and good blood flow is essential for prolonged erections. Quitting smoking could help you get the best results from Viagra.
• Lower stress – Whether you have performance anxiety or stress in other areas of life, try and find ways to relax before sex, with or without your partner. We recommend mindfulness, meditation or even just spending quality time together. 

How long does Viagra stay in your system?

Viagra will remain in your system for around 24 hours, but its effectiveness will reduce after around 4-5 hours. 

How often should you take Viagra?

Only take one Viagra pill in a 24-hour period, no matter the dosage. You should also never take Viagra alongside other erectile dysfunction treatments as this can cause drug interactions and physical damage to your penis.

If your prescription isn't giving you the desired results, don't take an extra pill as this can have adverse effects. Speak to your clinical team if Viagra isn't working for you so we can change your dosage or prescribe an alternative treatment.

What Viagra dosage should I take?

Viagra comes in three doses: 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. The typical starting dose is one 50 mg tablet, or 25 mg if you’re sensitive to medications or have certain health conditions. 100 mg is the maximum dosage. 

Can I take more than one Viagra tablet?

No, you should never exceed your prescribed Viagra dose. It can take a while for your body to get used to taking Viagra, so don't worry if you don't get the results you want the first time. If your dose still doesn't work for you after a few attempts, speak to your clinical team to review your treatment plan. 

Alternatives to Viagra

Viagra isn't the only treatment for erectile dysfunction. Cialis is another popular brand-name medication. It contains the active ingredient tadalafil and comes in two long-lasting varieties, so it's a great option if you’d prefer to have spontaneous sex throughout the week.

Generic Sildenafil is also available at a much lower price than Viagra. Both treatments are equally effective, as they contain the same active ingredient.

Ready to start having better sex? Take a quick online consultation to try an erectile dysfunction treatment today.