Long-acting erections are a hallmark of Viagra, the popular drug that increases blood flow to the penis and helps men with erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain an erection for longer than usual. The drug has been around for more than 20 years now, but what is its natural duration of action?
Let’s take a closer look at how long Viagra lasts.
How Long Does Viagra Last?
Viagra is a relatively short-lived drug; typically, men report that it last only 30 to 45 minutes, depending on multiple factors like the size of the dose, how much food they have eaten, and whether or not they have consumed alcohol. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug in the 1990s and began requiring manufacturers to report its duration of action in the United States.
In a 2005 review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers from the University of South Wales in Australia examined data collected from nearly 12,000 men who took part in four double-blind studies that examined the duration of action of different types of Viagra. Overall, the results suggested that the longer the dose, the longer the erection. The study also revealed that when taking half the daily recommended dose, Viagra showed a slight advantage over the popular Levitra.
More recently, researchers at Monash University in Australia examined the duration of action of Viagra and six other ED drugs in nearly 5,000 men and found that while all of the medications lasted for approximately 45 minutes, the effect of Viagra lasted the longest. Among the participants in the study, those who were also taking half of the recommended daily dose of Viagra reported feeling the greatest benefit from the drug. The participants who were taking the highest dose of Viagra reported feeling the effect of the drug for just 12 minutes. The researchers concluded that while half of the men in their study were feeling the effects of the medication for the entire duration, the other half were only experiencing a few minutes of benefit. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand their clinical implications, the researchers suggested.
What Factors Affect How Long Does Viagra Last?
There are a number of factors that influence how long does Viagra last. It’s important to know that not all of these factors are under your control, such as your body’s natural responses to the drug. But you can take steps to improve your duration of action with proper nutrition and exercise, as well as limit your alcohol consumption, which has been shown to reduce the effect of Viagra in some men.
How Long Does Viagra Stay In Your System?
While most men experience only a short-lived effect from a single dose of Viagra, the drug’s active ingredient remains in your system for up to 24 hours, providing you with the opportunity to take it as needed and even up to 24 hours after your last dose. This allows you to tailor your medication schedule as needed; for example, you might want to take it before or after eating certain foods or consuming certain amounts of alcohol. It also means that if you take it during sexual activity, you may experience a longer-lasting effect than usual.
What Types Of Food Can You Eat While On Viagra?
Certain types of food can cause your body to absorb more of the drug than others. For instance, grapefruit has been shown to increase the rate at which the drug is processed by the liver, so you may need to take it at least 30 minutes before eating to ensure that you receive the full effect. One theory explaining this is that grapefruit contains a compound called naranjilla, which has been shown in studies to inhibit the activity of enzymes that are responsible for breaking down Viagra. You should also avoid eating raw vegetables and fruit while on the medication, as they contain a type of enzyme called chymotrypsin that can break down the drug. If you are taking it for the first time, you might consider reading the Medication Guide for Viagra provided by your doctor, as it will advise you on how to best take the drug and what foods you can and cannot eat while on it. The information in the guide will help you to determine how long does Viagra last, so you can take the right measurement each time.
Can You Drink Alcohol While On Viagra?
Alcohol has been shown in studies to reduce the effect of Viagra in some men. If you are already drinking alcohol normally, you might want to discuss with your doctor whether or not you should continue doing so while on the medication. If you are starting treatment with Viagra for the first time, you should be aware that you should not drink alcohol while taking the medication, as doing so can interfere with the drug’s activity. However, you should be careful about how much you drink once you are already on the medication, as excessive alcohol consumption can cause problems like headaches, dizziness, and even memory loss. If you are already drinking alcohol and want to stay on the medication, you may need to reduce your intake to safer levels – if this is something that concerns you, consult with your doctor so that he can help you to find a proper balance between alcohol and health.
While most men experience only a short-lived effect from a single dose of Viagra, the drug’s active ingredient remains in your system for up to 24 hours, providing you with the opportunity to take it as needed and even up to 24 hours after your last dose. This allows you to tailor your medication schedule as needed; for example, you might want to take it before or after eating certain foods or consuming certain amounts of alcohol. It also means that if you take it during sexual activity, you may experience a longer-lasting effect than usual.