Viagra is a medication to treat Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
It contains Sildenafil as an active ingredient.
Viagra was the first medication that got FDA approval to treat ED in men or Assigned Males at Birth (AMAB).
In this article, we will understand how long does Viagra last and how it works.
How long does Viagra last
Viagra might last up to 3 to 5 hours.
The effects usually start to wear off within three hours of consumption.
However, some factors might affect the lasting effects of Sildenafil.
These factors include your health, dosage, metabolism, and other factors.
An individual can get multiple erections within 5 hours of consuming.
But, after ejaculation, your body might not be able to get an erection right away. This is known as the refractory period, in which your body takes time to recover.
As per a study, Sildenafil can reduce this refractory time and help recover faster.
You might be wondering whether Viagra is used to treat premature ejaculation or not? Read an article to know – “Examining the Effectiveness: Does Viagra Help with Premature Ejaculation?“.

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Benefits
- Quick and convenient solution for ED.
- Natural, fast-acting ED support
- Trusted and affordable ED treatment
Factors that affect how long Viagra last
As mentioned earlier, some factors might affect the lasting effects of Viagra. These factors include
Age
Age plays a huge role in determining the duration of Viagra in your system. Metabolism slows down as you get older. As a result, the medicine might stay longer in your body.
Dosage
The amount of Viagra dosage you are consuming can affect how long it lasts in your system. For example, a 50 mg strength of Viagra will wear off before a 100 mg dose of viagra.
Food
High-fat meals can slow the absorption process of Viagra. As the medicine will absorb with the meal, it might also make it last longer.
It is important to avoid certain foods when taking Viagra to get the maximum benefits from this medication.
Lifestyle habits
Smoking and alcoholism might also affect the effects of Viagra on your body. These habits can reduce the blood circulation to the penis, making this medication shorter-lasting.
Additionally, excessive consumption of alcohol is itself a cause of ED.
Overall health
Certain medical conditions can affect Viagra and make it shorter-lasting. Conditions that might affect Viagra are Atherosclerosis, Diabetes, and Multiple Sclerosis.
To optimize the use of Viagra, read the article – “How to Use Viagra For Best Results? Know What to Avoid“.
How Viagra works
As mentioned, Viagra contains Sildenafil citrate as an active ingredient.
Sildenafil belongs to the class of Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
By inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, it promotes the production of cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP).
Increased cGMP levels relax the smooth muscle and dilate blood vessels in the penile area.
This dilation help in boosting blood circulation in the penis, which in turn results in a firm erection.
However, to get an erection, sexual stimulation is essential.
To understand the detailed working of Viagra, read the article – “How Does Viagra Work and Some More Viagra Facts?”.
How fast does Viagra work

Viagra (Sildenafil) usually starts to work within 30 minutes of consumption in most people.
But, its peak effects are visible after an hour.
Therefore, it is recommended to take this medicine 30 to 60 minutes before sexual intercourse and not more than 4 hours.
The onset of action also depends on your health and the type of meal you had before taking this medicine.
High-fat meals are known to delay the absorption of Sildenafil.
Recommended Read: What is Viagra Used For: Everything You Need to Know
Ultimately
Typically, Viagra lasts for 3 to 5 hours in an individual.
However, it can vary from person to person.
Factors like age, health conditions, food, lifestyle habits, and dosage might affect its effects.
Some factors can make Viagra last longer, and some can make it shorter-lasting.
Recommended Read: Why You Should Not Take Over the Counter Viagra Pills
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Viagra stay in your system?
Viagra can stay in your system for 3 to 5 hours.
The effects of this medication will start to wear off after 2 to 3 hours and completely leave your system within 5 hours.
However, this depends on an individual’s health, lifestyle habits, dosage, and meals taken.
How long does it take for Viagra to peak?
Viagra might start to work within 30 minutes of consumption. But its peak effects will be visible after an hour.
Does Viagra help you last longer?
Viagra is only known to treat Erectile Dysfunction in men. Therefore, it will not help you last longer.
Premature Ejaculation might be treated with medication containing Dapoxetine, like Duratia.
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