How Long Does It Take for Viagra to Work?

Viagra has been around since 1998 ¹ and has changed the way men with erectile dysfunction think about sex. Its effectiveness is well known; it's one of the most popular ED drugs on the market.

But every man at some point has searched, “How long does it take for Viagra to work?” We’re here to answer that question and other concerns you probably have.

We’ll dive into how long it takes for Viagra to kick in, how long Viagra lasts, and what you can do to make it last longer.

How Does Viagra Work?

When you’re aroused, your body kick-starts a chemical reaction. A compound called nitric oxide is released, enhancing blood flow to the penis, which leads to an erection. Eventually, the body introduces phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), causing the reversal of this reaction and the loss of the erection. ¹

Viagra, containing the active ingredient sildenafil, belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. As the name suggests, these drugs inhibit PDE5, preventing the loss of your erection. ¹

It’s important to note that Viagra only starts working once you get an erection. It doesn’t help with the initial arousal. Instead, it enables you to maintain the erection for a satisfying duration. ¹

How Long Does It Take for Viagra to Work?

One of the most common questions about Viagra is how quickly it starts to work. Generally, Viagra takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour to kick in after consumption. The exact time depends on your age, health, and metabolism. ¹

So, if you're planning to have sex, take Viagra 30 minutes to 4 hours beforehand, and you should be ready to go.

How Long Does Viagra Last?

Viagra can last for about 4 to 5 hours. ¹ So, it’s important not to wait too long to have sex after taking the pill. For example, don’t take Viagra in the morning if you plan on having sex in the evening.

While you can have sex at any time during the 4-to-5-hour window, the effects of Viagra typically peak 1 to 2 hours after taking the pill and are weaker at 4 hours. So, the best time to take Viagra is typically 1 hour before sex. ¹

What’s The Best Dosage?

Viagra tablets come in 3 doses: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. ¹

Your prescribed dosage depends on factors such as your age, heart health, overall health, and other medications. ¹

The most common dosage is 50 mg. ¹ However, you may need a higher or lower dose to achieve the desired effect. It's best to talk to your healthcare provider for the right dosage.

Our Final Tips

While you can’t rush medication, the manufacturer of Viagra has a few tips to ensure the medication works on time.

First, avoid taking Viagra with a high-fat meal. Fatty meals make it more difficult for Viagra to enter your bloodstream and start working. So, skip the steak or burger and opt for something lighter. ²

Secondly, once the 30 minutes have passed, get in the mood. Viagra doesn’t help with arousal, so you must be sexually stimulated for it to work. ²

Lastly, limit your alcohol to one glass. Regardless of erectile dysfunction, alcohol makes it more difficult to achieve and maintain an erection. ²

Once you get these tips and the timing down, Viagra works highly effectively. To learn more about Viagra and how it can drastically improve your sex life, mailMymeds has provided a dedicated Viagra blog just for you. 

FAQs

How long does Viagra take to kick in?

Viagra takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to start working. This time is needed for the med to absorb into your bloodstream to take effect properly. You can make sure the drug kicks in on time by avoiding fatty meals with your tablet and limiting your alcohol intake. ¹

What happens if Viagra doesn't work for me?

If Viagra doesn't produce the desired results, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider. They can assess your situation, recommend alternative treatments, or adjust your dosage.

Can I combine Viagra with other ED medications for faster results?

No, ED meds should not be combined. ED meds lower blood pressure, and combining them can result in dangerously low blood pressure. ¹ If you feel the need to take more than one ED med, your dosage may not be enough for you. To try a stronger dose, place an order for the new dose and accurately complete the online questionnaire to be assessed for a new prescription.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.