Sildenafil belongs to a class of drug called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. It can be used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension but it is more...
Sildenafil belongs to a class of drug called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. It can be used to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension but it is more commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil is known commercially as the drug Viagra. It works by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal to help achieve and maintain an erection. As such common questions about sildenafil how long does it last, how to take it to maximise results, and what factors can impact its effectiveness; we discuss some of these frequently asked questions in this article.
You might be more familiar with Sildenafil under its brand name: Viagra. Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Sildenafil (Viagra) is typically used to treat erectile dysfunction. In brief, sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction by increasing the flow of blood to the penis during sexual arousal. This can help achieve and maintain an erection.
At the molecular level, Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction by blocking the action of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type-5. Phosphodiesterase type-5 breaks down cGMP. By blocking phosphodiesterase type-5, you have higher levels of cGMP which relaxes the muscles and widens blood vessels to promote more blood flow to the penis.
Now that we have a good idea of how it works, let’s look at how long will sildenafil last.
So how long does sildenafil stay in your system? Sildenafil can last for up to four hours in the body. Individual factors such as alcohol intake or age and metabolism can cause some variation in how long the medication lasts. It is usually advised that you take sildenafil at least 30 to 60 minutes before sexual intercourse so that the medication has time to take effect.
Typically, it takes half an hour to one hour for Sildenafil to start working, so you should allow for that suggested timeframe before engaging in sexual intercourse. It may be reassuring however, that after you take it, it can last for up to four hours in your system. For faster absorption, it is recommended to take the medication on an empty stomach.
If you are wondering how long does sildenafil work for, it is important to be aware that there are many factors that can affect the duration and effectiveness of Sildenafil. It is important to keep these in mind so you can make relevant lifestyle changes or discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional.
The amount of alcohol you consume can have an impact on the effectiveness of sildenafil. Drinking large amounts of alcohol (currently, the recommended national guidelines are 14 units of alcohol a week) can reduce the flow of blood to the penis. This can make it more difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. It can also bring a risk of hypotension (low blood pressure). Therefore
Taking Sildenafil alongside a meal high in fats can make the absorption of the medication slower and decrease how long is sildenafil effective. To optimise the effects of the medication, it is advised to take Sildenafil on an empty stomach or after a light meal.
Much like other medications, age and metabolism can affect how long Sildenafil stays in the body. So when we think about how long do the effects of sildenafil last, age and metabolism are influential factors. For example, metabolism and elimination of drugs is reduced in older adults so the drug may take longer to start working, and the drug may stay in the body for longer.
There are actually many drugs that can interact with Sildenafil and not only have an impact on its effectiveness but also potentially cause dangerous side effects. For example, if you have been prescribed nitrates for chest pain, taking sildenafil on top of that may cause dangerous hypotension (low blood pressure). This can cause symptoms of light-headedness and collapse.
In fact, many common medications for heart conditions or liver conditions can interact with sildenafil. Furthermore, if you have a medical history of a heart attack or a stroke, sildenafil is likely to be unsuitable for you.
Therefore, if you feel you may benefit from taking sildenafil, it is important to inform a medical professional about all the medication (prescription and over the counter) and herbal remedies you are taking so that they can recommend a suitable and safe treatment for you.
How strong the dose of sildenafil you have been prescribed will also affect how long does sildenafil last in the body. A higher dose will last longer in your system but will also carry a higher risk of side effects. Always follow your doctor’s instructions about the dose of the medication and how to take it.
So how long does sildenafil stay in your blood? Technically, one single dose of Sildenafil can stay in your system for up to 24 hours. However, it is important to note that the effects of the medication are strongest in the first 4 hours. This may be important to keep in mind if you are using sildenafil for erectile dysfunction as you will need to think about when you might want to have sexual intercourse and time this with the medication. Sildenafil is then eventually excreted by the kidneys.
With some quick googling, you can easily find an array of options for medication to help erectile dysfunction. The main three are likely to be Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil. There are different pros and cons to each so it is important to have a discussion with a doctor before starting treatment so that you are given medication that is best suited to you. Here we give you a brief overview comparing these medications to sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Tadalafil is another option when thinking about treating erectile dysfunction. Its commercial name is Cialis. If you are dissatisfied with how many hours does sildenafil last, Tadalafil can last for 36 hours. This is much longer compared to how long sildenafil last in your system. This can be a positive because there is less pressure on the timing of when to take the medication before sexual intercourse, this can make the experience more spontaneous and natural. However, there may be a higher risk of side effects with Tadalafil compared to Sildenafil.
Vardenafil is commercially known as Levitra. It is more similar to how long sildenafil works for (i.e up to around 4 hours), and the recommended advice is also to take it around half an hour to one hour before sexual intercourse. However, there is some evidence to suggest that Vardenafil may be more suited to certain patient groups such as those with diabetes.
Avanafil is commercially known as Stendra or Spedra. It is a relatively new male medication for erectile dysfunction. In terms of how long it takes for you to feel the effects of the medication, Avanafil works faster (needing around 15 minutes to take effect) compared to Sildenafil (can take 30 minutes to 1 hour). If you are looking for a quick acting medication, Avanafil may be more suitable than Sildenafil. In terms of how long the medication lasts, Avanafil and sildenafil lasting time is around 4 hours.
There are many factors that can impact the effectiveness and safety of Sildenafil. If you are worrying about how long does a dose of sildenafil last, here are some tips that can help you maximise the results of Sildenafil.
Take the medication on an empty stomach
Try to decrease your alcohol consumption
Follow the directions for use of the medication
Be mindful of timing
Consult a medical professional
Fast, Discreet, and Convenient
We're here to support :)
We are available Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm. Do not use this service if you need urgent assistance. You should call 111 or 999 in an emergency. See our help section for more information.
Payment Options
