How long does it take for Viagra to work?

In the United States, the generic medication sildenafil is sold under the well-known brand name Viagra.

Sildenafil belongs to the drug class of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. PDE5 inhibitors were initially designed to treat certain heart conditions, but it was quickly discovered that they had other effects on the human body.

Today, Viagra treats male erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to get or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. 

Healthcare professionals also use PDE5 inhibitors to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which is high lung blood pressure. Another brand name for sildenafil is Revatio, often used for PAH.

In addition, sildenafil may be used off-label for other purposes. Off-label means using a medication for medical purposes different from those it was approved for but that have been proven effective.

Off-label uses of Viagra may include:

• PAH
• altitude sickness
• improved exercise capacity

If you need help covering the cost of Viagra or sildenafil, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

How soon does Viagra work? 

The time it takes for Viagra to start causing an erection may vary from person to person. It may also depend on other factors, like what you’ve eaten that day and your dosage. 

The Viagra packaging label recommends taking the drug approximately 1 hour before sexual activity — though you may take it anywhere between 30 minutes to 4 hours before. 

Viagra has a small risk of prolonged erections that last longer than 4 hours. If you have an erection for more than 4 hours or experience pain, emergency medical care is highly encouraged to avoid permanent penile tissue damage or loss of potency.

Factors that make Viagra less effective 

While Viagra may be highly effective, several factors can affect how well and quickly it works.

The Viagra packaging label explains:

• Dosage: The dosage of Viagra can affect how quickly and effectively it works. Higher doses may lead to quicker results. However, only take what your prescribing doctor has instructed. Taking too much may lead to a medical emergency.
• Food intake: Eating a high fat meal, like a burger and fries, before taking Viagra could delay its onset of action and limit the effects. You can try taking the medication on an empty stomach for faster and stronger results.
• Sexual arousal: Viagra enhances your body’s natural response to arousal. Generally, it doesn’t work automatically, and sexual arousal is still necessary for an erection to occur. If psychological factors like stress or anxiety are keeping you from feeling sexually aroused, this can also limit Viagra’s effectiveness. 
• Metabolism: Individual variations in your metabolism and overall health may influence how fast and how well Viagra works.
• Health and other medications: Certain medical conditions or medications may also affect Viagra’s effectiveness.

In addition, other drugs may affect how Viagra and sildenafil work. Mixing these pills could cause potentially dangerous interactions.

According to the Viagra packaging label, you should not take Viagra with the below medications unless specifically instructed to do so by the prescribing doctor:

• nitrates, like nitroglycerin 
• alpha blockers, like terazosin
• ritonavir and other HIV protease inhibitors
• amlodipine
• certain oral antifungal medicines
• other PDE5 inhibitors

It’s important to discuss any medications you take or conditions you have with the doctor who is prescribing Viagra to you. This helps ensure it is safe and effective for you. 

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Does sildenafil take as long? 

The FDA explains that generic medications are held to the same quality and safety standards as their brand-name counterparts.

This means that sildenafil, the generic name for Viagra, has the same active ingredient and is just as effective in treating ED. They both take as long to start working. 

How to take Viagra 

To achieve the best results with Viagra, you can follow these guidelines from the packaging label:

• Take Viagra around 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity. If you are not sure when exactly you will need its effects, you can take it between 30 minutes and 4 hours before.
• Don’t take Viagra with a high fat meal.
• Do not take more than one dose of Viagra or sildenafil in a 24-hour period.
• Do not take the drug on a regular daily basis unless prescribed for a specific medical condition, like PAH.
• Always follow the directions from the prescribing doctor.

How to get Viagra 

Viagra is available in most local and online pharmacies by prescription only. 

To obtain it, consult a healthcare professional, such as an urologist, who can assess your condition, provide a prescription, and discuss the appropriate dosage for your needs.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Alternatives to Viagra 

There are several alternatives to Viagra for treating ED.

A review from 2019 lists these alternative PDE5 inhibitors: 

• generic sildenafil in other brand names (Revatio)
• tadalafil (Cialis)
• vardenafil (Levitra)
• avanafil (Stendra)

Although these alternatives work similarly, there may be differences in the onset of action, duration of effects, and side effects. 

Beyond oral medications, the 2019 review also recommends these treatments for ED:

• attending psychosexual therapy
• treating any underlying health conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol
• getting injection-based medications
• undergoing surgery

A healthcare professional can help determine which medication or other treatment approach suits your health and needs.

If you need help covering the cost of Viagra, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.

Summary

Viagra is a well-known medication for treating erectile dysfunction. It’s a version of the generic medication called sildenafil. Sildenafil is just as effective as Viagra.

Viagra typically starts working within 30 minutes to an hour after taking it. You can take it up to 4 hours before you need its effects.

Factors like dosage, eating a high fat meal, and sexual arousal can influence how long it takes to work.