How long does Viagra take to kick in?

The common Viagra questions answered...

Published: Wednesday 08 June 2016

What is Viagra and how does it work?

Viagra is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence. Viagra is the trade name for the drug ‘sildenafil citrate’ and is used to help men get and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. Viagra works by relaxing your muscles and increasing the blood flow to the penis, thus helping men maintain an erection. Viagra is not an aphrodisiac, so it only works if the man is sexually stimulated.

How long does Viagra take to work?

Viagra starts working about 30-60 minutes after it’s taken.

How long does viagra last?

The length of time Viagra will last will vary from person to person, but the effects can last for up to 4 hours. That doesn’t mean you will have an erection that lasts this long, but this is the timeframe in which the Viagra medication is likely to be most effective.

How does food affect its action?

For the best results from your medication, you should take a Viagra tablet on an empty stomach. This ensures that the active ingredient is absorbed through your gut faster. Taking the medicine with a high fat meal will take longer to be absorbed into your body and so the effects will take longer to kick in.

What about alcohol?

If you have been drinking lightly, the alcohol can slow down the effect of the drug. However, if you have been drinking heavily, the alcohol will negate the benefits of Viagra and can even make the issue worse. In fact, it is dangerous to combine ED medications with alcohol. It can magnify the symptoms as well as the side effects. Read our blog post to find out more information about Viagra and alcohol.

What are the side effects of Viagra?

Common Uncommon Rare
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Tiredness
  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Diarrhoea
  • Difficulty breathing
  • High/low blood pressure
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Nosebleed
  • Fainting

How often should I take Viagra?

One tablet should be taken with water within a 24-hour period, regardless of the dosage. If you have sex more than twice a week, you might find taking Tadalafil (Cialis) Daily is more effective. It’s a low dosage tablet taken once a day meaning you are able to be more spontaneous rather than plan at least an hour ahead each time.

Sexual stimulation

Viagra alone is not enough for you to achieve and maintain your erection. You also need to be sexually stimulated.

Bottom line

Take Viagra on an empty stomach and minimal alcohol (the less the better), add sexual stimulation and in about 30 minutes to an hour, you’re good to go.