How long does Viagra last?

The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil. This chemical compound determines the properties of the drug. How long does Viagra last?

Factors affecting the duration of Viagra action

The time of onset of action and the period during which sildenafil remains in the body of a man are usually estimated at about 30 minutes and 5-6 hours, respectively. These numbers are averages, as the effectiveness of Viagra varies greatly from person to person. The duration of the action of the drug is influenced by several factors, such as:

• dosage
• age
• diet
• alcohol consumption
• medication taken
• mental state

Learn more about each one.

Dosage

The dosage of sildenafil is the most important factor in how long a Viagra pill will last. For example, a 50 mg dose is absorbed by the digestive system in part within 4 hours, but its effect may last up to 6 or even 8 hours. A 100mg formulation will take longer to metabolize and therefore have a longer lasting effect.

Age

Age plays a vital role in the absorption of any kind of drug into the bloodstream. Young men treated with sildenafil, due to their more active metabolism, are more likely to feel the effect of the drug faster than their older counterparts. As a result, the action of Viagra in older patients due to slow metabolism will last longer, especially in those aged 65 years and older.

Diet

A diet high in fat slows down the absorption of sildenafil, as the body is busy digesting fatty foods. But it also results in effects that last for a longer period as the onset is delayed.

Alcohol

Accepted alcohol lowers blood pressure, as a result of which the effectiveness of sildenafil for a comfortable erection also decreases.

Medicines

Any drugs taken by the patient can affect the effectiveness and absorption of sildenafil in the body of a man. For example, antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin interact with sildenafil and reduce its duration of action.

Psychological state

The psychological state of a man also affects how long Viagra lasts and even whether it will work at all. Doubts about one's potency, anxiety, discomfort, nervousness, stress can affect the effectiveness of the drug. Therefore, when taking Viagra, you should feel calm and comfortable so as not to have a negative effect on the effect of the drug.