Viagra (sildenafil citrate),[1] is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) and pulmonary hypertension. It is the number one prescription drug in the country[2] for erectile dysfunction and is the second most prescribed medication overall.[3] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in 1998 and pulmonary hypertension in 2006.
Although the effect of Viagra generally happens within thirty minutes of taking the drug, the full therapeutic effect may take several hours to reach. The medication has an extremely long half-life, which means it stays in the body for a considerable amount of time. This has the potential to cause adverse effects in some individuals. It is also not yet known how long it takes for Viagra to work for the treatment of a particular condition. The following information will help clarify the exact nature of this drug and its effects.
The Long Half-Life Of Viagra
The chemical name of Viagra is sildenafil citrate, and this substance has the potential to stay in the body for an extraordinary amount of time. When the FDA approved Viagra in 2006, the agency stated that the medication has a half-life (t½) of 12–17 hours. This value applies to both men and women. Even though the clinical trials for Viagra were conducted under the supervision of a doctor and the recommended dose is normally taken at the same time each day, the t½ value still represents a very high persistence of the drug in the body. In other words, even when the medication is cleared from the body, it still has the ability to have an effect on the individual.
The long half-life of Viagra means that the drug stays in the body for an extremely long period of time and has the potential to cause adverse effects in some people. One of the more serious side effects of Viagra is sudden cardiac death. In fact, this is one of the contraindications (or warning signs) listed in the warning section of the drug’s package insert.
How Long Does It Take For Viagra To Have An Effect?
Once a person takes Viagra, the drug is supposed to begin working within thirty minutes. However, this is not always the case and the full effects of the medication may not be felt for several hours. The following discussion will examine how long it takes for Viagra to have an effect and whether you should wait a certain amount of time before taking the next dose.
Immediate Effect
When someone takes Viagra, they will almost certainly notice an effect. Usually the effect is rapid and quite noticeable. Many people will experience an erection that is usually, but not necessarily, pleasant. This effect usually lasts for about an hour and then subsides as the body’s natural defenses against erections begin to take effect. If someone experiences an adverse reaction (such as severe headache or facial flushing), they should consult their physician immediately.
Some men have reported that even though they did not have an erection, they still experienced an improvement in their sex life. This is quite an unusual effect but one that warrants further investigation.
Time For A Refractory Period
If someone experiences an adverse reaction to Viagra and they are not able to continue with their normal dosage, they will be put on a different medication. This is because, in rare cases, the effect of the drug can be permanent or highly persistent. In these situations, people may experience a period of reduced sensitivity to the drug, which is known as a refractory period. It is during this time that the body’s defenses against the medication are strengthened and any attempts to take the drug again, with the same dosage, will likely cause the individual to have an adverse reaction. It is therefore important to take into consideration the length of the refractory period, before attempting to increase the dosage or take the medication again.
If someone has not gone through a refractory period, they can take the drug as often as they please and the effect will always be the same. However, if a person has experienced a refractory period, they will need to go through it before they can have the same effect again. This is why it is important to consult your physician about whether or not you should increase your dosage of Viagra. In some situations, this may be necessary and in others it may not be. Your physician will be able to tell you whether or not increasing your dosage may help solve your erection problems or whether or not you should seek another solution. It is also important to keep in mind that if you are approaching or have passed your half-life, you should consult your physician before increasing your dosage. This is because the longer the half-life, the greater the potential for adverse effects to occur. Your physician will be able to tell you what happens once you pass your half-life and whether or not you should still continue taking the drug. Remember, though, increasing your dosage without knowing how long it takes for the drug to work may cause unwanted effects and therefore be dangerous. If increasing your dosage does not produce the results you seek, it is always possible to find a different medication that can help solve your erection problems. In these situations, it may not be a bad idea to try a natural alternative, such as herbal supplements or vitamins.
When To Take The Next Dose Of Viagra
After you have gone through the immediate effect of Viagra and the medication has had the opportunity to work its magic, you should be able to feel that you are entering the plateau phase of the drug’s effect. The following is a general rule of thumb for determining when the next dose of Viagra should be taken:
- Immediately after your last dose
- Before sexual activity, or at least four hours before
- If you are taking the drug for pulmonary hypertension
- If you are taking it for erectile dysfunction
- After you have taken a large dose
- If you are approaching or have passed your half-life
- If you are changing medication due to an adverse reaction
- If you are exceeding the recommended dose
- If you are taking the medication for a second time
There are exceptions to every rule and each person may be differently impacted by the drug. Everyone’s body is different and reacts differently to medications. Your physician will be able to tell you what is the best time for you to take your next dose of Viagra and whether or not it is necessary for you to increase your dosage. It is also important to remember that your dosage may need to be increased or decreased depending on whether or not you are entering the plateau phase of the drug’s effect. Once again, though, it is always best to consult your physician about whether or not you should increase your dosage and when it is best to take the next dose.
Viagra (sildenafil citrate),[1] is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) and pulmonary hypertension. It is the number one prescription drug in the country[2] for erectile dysfunction and is the second most prescribed medication overall.[3] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viagra for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in 1998 and pulmonary hypertension in 2006.
Although the effect of Viagra generally happens within thirty minutes of taking the drug, the full therapeutic effect may take several hours to reach. The medication has an extremely long half-life, which means it stays in the body for a considerable amount of time. This has the potential to cause adverse effects in some individuals. It is also not yet known how long it takes for Viagra to work for the treatment of a particular condition. The following information will help clarify the exact nature of this drug and its effects.