How Long Does Viagra Stay In Your System?

For over two decades, Viagra has been one of the most popular medications for erectile dysfunction. If you're looking to join the millions of men who've had improved erections with Viagra, it's important to know what to expect when you take it. How long does it take to work, and how long does it stay in your system? Our ZipHealth experts answer these common questions and more to help you learn how you can get the most out of your sexual performance. 

What is Viagra?

Viagra is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. It contains the active ingredient sildenafil citrate, which belongs to a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. Generic sildenafil is also available as an unbranded erectile dysfunction treatment for a lower price. 

Clinical studies have found that sildenafil is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, with up to 80% of men who use it experiencing improved erections.

How does Viagra work?

PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra relax the smooth muscle around your blood vessels, including those at the base of your penis. This increases blood supply to your erectile tissue when you experience sexual stimulation, helping you get and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity. Viagra has no effect on your sex drive, so sexual arousal is essential for it to work. 

How long does it take Viagra to start working? 

Viagra usually starts working around 30 to 60 minutes after taking it. For the best results, we recommend you take it about an hour before sexual activity. This onset of action is affected by multiple factors — we'll cover some of these later. 

How long does Viagra last?

Viagra's duration of action varies from person to person, but typically it lasts for around 4-5 hours. 

Factors that affect how long Viagra stays in your system 

Many health and lifestyle factors can potentially impact how long your Viagra tablets take to work and stay in your system.

Dosage

The amount of Viagra you take may not affect how long it lasts, but it can affect your results. The typical starting dose is 50mg, but you can also get 25mg and 100mg doses. All three doses have a half-life of 4 hours — that’s how long it takes for the active substance in Viagra to reduce by half , and stop being as effective. If you find your prescribed dosage doesn't last as long as you need it to, speak to your clinical team about exploring alternative medication. 

Food and drink

We recommend taking Viagra without food for best results. Eating a heavy, high-fat meal before or after taking your pill can slow the absorption of sildenafil into your bloodstream. This means it may take longer to work, and could limit the drug's effects. You should also avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit products when you take Viagra, as they can also delay absorption. 

Health conditions

Some medical conditions, including diabetes, multiple sclerosis (MS) and heart conditions like atherosclerosis can reduce Viagra's effectiveness. If you have a kidney condition that slows your metabolism, it may make Viagra last longer for you. Taking prescription medications to manage your health can also cause drug interactions when taken with Viagra, which can limit its effects and cause negative side effects. Always inform your clinical team of your medical history before taking Viagra.

Alcohol intake and drugs

Alcohol consumption can reduce your erectile function, even if you don't usually experience sexual dysfunction. Small amounts of alcohol may not affect your erections, but excessive drinking can make your medication less effective. 

Similar to prescription drugs, illicit drugs can also reduce the effectiveness of sildenafil. You shouldn't take illegal drugs — including amyl nitrate, also known as 'poppers' — alongside Viagra because this can cause very low blood pressure and may increase your risk of stroke and/or heart attack.

Getting the most from Viagra

Viagra typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to be fully absorbed into your bloodstream, and usually stays in your system for around 4 hours. Here are our tips for maximising its effectiveness and your sexual performance:

• Take Viagra on an empty stomach. If you need to eat, avoid fatty foods. 
• Limit alcohol consumption and don’t take recreational drugs. 
• Speak to your healthcare provider about how your current medication or health conditions could affect treatment of erectile dysfunction.
• Reach out to your clinical team if you're not getting the desired results from your prescribed dosage. 

Want improved erections? Start a free online consultation with our ZipHealth clinical team to try an erectile dysfunction treatment today.