{"id":14344,"date":"2016-03-24T09:00:31","date_gmt":"2014-03-24T16:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.accessrx.com\/blog\/?p=14344"},"modified":"2018-11-15T15:21:47","modified_gmt":"2018-11-15T15:21:47","slug":"how-long-does-viagra-take-to-work-m0225","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/erectile-dysfunction\/viagra\/how-long-does-viagra-take-to-work-m0225\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does Viagra Take to Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

S<\/span>till going strong after two decades, Viagra usually takes effect in 30 to 60 minutes. And the effects of Pfizer’s iconic little blue pill usually last four hours or slightly more.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Viagra, introduced in 1998, is the oldest of the PDE5 inhibitor drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction. For the first five years, it had the ED drug market to itself. But today its competitors include four other brand-name medications — Levitra, Cialis, Staxyn, and Stendra — as well as generic alternatives for both Viagra and Cialis. Pfizer’s little blue pill remains quite popular despite all this competition.<\/p>\n

For most men, Viagra takes effect 30 to 60 minutes after it’s been taken, according to Viagra.com<\/a>. In rare, cases some men have found it effective in as little as 15 minutes. For the vast majority, however, the effects usually kick in about 45 minutes after the pill was taken.<\/p>\n

Viagra\u2019s effects generally last around four hours, with maximum effectiveness approximately two hours after taking it. Men who find that their current dosage of Viagra doesn\u2019t help much should ask their physicians about increasing the dosage, because sometimes this helps. Food, alcohol, and other drugs can also affect how quickly Viagra starts working.<\/p>\n

With or Without Food?<\/h3>\n

While the manufacturer’s instructions indicate that you can take Viagra with or without food, you should be aware that its onset of action may be delayed if you take it shortly after a heavy meal, particularly one high in fatty foods. That\u2019s because the fatty food in your system slows down your body\u2019s ability to absorb the drug. Conversely, the effects may be quicker if you take Viagra on an empty stomach.\u00a0If you are over age 65, or have kidney or liver problems, you may find that the drug is somewhat slower to take effect and slower to exit your system.<\/p>\n

Alcohol doesn\u2019t directly affect how well Viagra works, but it can counteract the drug’s efficacy since alcohol intake can result in dehydration and lower blood volume, which together can compromise the ability to get an erection<\/a>. Consuming alcohol also affects the central nervous system and causes a rise in a hormone called angiotensin, which is associated with ED. So while alcohol doesn\u2019t directly interact with Viagra, you should keep drinking to a minimum to ensure the drug works optimally.<\/p>\n

Interactions with Other Drugs<\/h3>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Some drugs may interact adversely with Viagra.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many drugs interact with Viagra. For example, protease inhibitors, taken for treating HIV, inhibit the metabolism of Viagra<\/a>, and as a result people taking both may end up with a higher level of Viagra in the bloodstream than they would otherwise. This can lead to a higher likelihood of side effects like headache and vision changes.<\/p>\n

If you take alpha blockers, you shouldn\u2019t take them within four hours of taking Viagra, because the combination could lead to dangerously low blood pressure. Men who take nitrates for angina should not take Viagra, because the combination can also cause a sudden and potentially life-threatening drop in blood pressure.<\/p>\n

Other drugs<\/a> that can affect how and how quickly Viagra works include:<\/p>\n