Sildenafil, most popularly known as Viagra, is an erectile dysfunction (ED) medication that’s more preferred by many for its high efficacy (1).
Still, there are those somewhat hesitant about taking it, asking one particular question: how long does Sildenafil 100mg last?
Truth be told, the duration of its effects may actually vary from one individual to another. This article will discuss how long a 100mg dose lasts as well as provide some tips on how to enhance its effects.
How Long Does Sildenafil 100mg Last?
In one study, the drug was found to take effect within a timeframe lasting up to 12 hours (2). This does not mean, however, that you’ll get an erection for 12 hours, but that you can achieve an erection anywhere within that period.
In the same study, it also showed that after 1 hour of taking Sildenafil, an erection could be achieved and maintained for an average of 26 minutes. After 8 hours of taking it, an erection can last up to 11 minutes. After 12 hours, an erection can still be achieved and can last up to 8 minutes.
In another study, the onset of erections was observed to take place at an average of 27 minutes after taking Sildenafil, with a range of 12 to 70 minutes (3). It was also found that within that range, erections could last for 30 minutes. After 2 hours, the erections can last up to 19.5 minutes and 5 minutes after 4 hours.
These results prove that Sildenafil starts to work in as early as 12 minutes and can remain effective for up to 12 hours.
How Does Sildenafil Work?
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that works by relaxing the smooth muscles along the penile shaft. When this group of muscles (called corpus cavernosum) is relaxed, more blood can flow into the shaft to make the penis rigid and erect.
In men without ED, this mechanism is usually achieved without the help of PDE5 inhibitors. But with ED, the nerves’ communication with the brain is impaired, so the penile muscles don’t react properly.
With the help of Sildenafil, the muscles are relaxed more easily to allow blood to flow and cause an erection during sexual stimulation.
Does Sildenafil Really Help With ED?
For men with ED, those who use Sildenafil experience improved sexual performance compared to those who don’t.
According to a clinical study, Sildenafil yields effects on men with ED that are highly superior to placebo (4). With the drug, patients can successfully perform penetrative intercourse, which is usually difficult to achieve.
Is There Any Way to Enhance Sildenafil’s Effects?
There is no established technique in enhancing Sildenafil’s efficacy in the body, but there are factors that can affect the duration of its effects.
- Fatty food
Eating fatty food before taking Sildenafil is believed to cause both negative and positive effects.
On the negative side, fatty food can delay the absorption of the medicine, so the effects are achieved much later than expected. On the positive, fatty foods can help prolong the duration of the impact once they kick in.
However, based on clinical evaluation, the effects of fatty food intake cause no significant decrease in efficacy (5). Also, even if you don’t take fatty food, the effects may still last for more than 10 hours.
- Alcohol consumption
Alcohol doesn’t affect the absorption of Sildenafil, but it produces effects that are opposite to those of the medication (6).
For example, drinking alcohol causes blood flow to the penile muscles to decrease. So if you take Sildenafil with alcohol, you won’t achieve the effects to the proper extent even if your body absorbs the medicine properly.
- State of mind
Sildenafil works better and faster if you feel calm and relaxed. On the other hand, if you are feeling depressed, insecure, or fearful, it may suppress the effects and impair sexual performance.
- Medications
Other meds can affect the absorption and efficacy of Sildenafil. Nitrates, in particular, are an absolute contraindication because taking them with the ED drug can be dangerous.
- Metabolism
Metabolism directly affects the absorption rate of Sildenafil. If you have a fast metabolism, you can absorb the medicine more quickly, but it will also leave your system faster.
- Age
Sildenafil is observed to last longer in older patients because metabolism slows down with aging. That’s why, even if you have a fast metabolism, it’s not strange to feel its effects longer as you age.
- Medical conditions
Some medical conditions, like kidney and liver problems, require lower doses of Sildenafil because the medicine may not be adequately metabolized and absorbed.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can make better decisions in the use of Sildenafil. Also, if you have preexisting medical conditions or are taking other medications, consult with your doctor for safe dosing and evaluation.
How Long Does 100mg Last vs. a 50mg Dose?
Based on a study, Sildenafil 100mg can yield stronger and better effects on sexual performance than lower doses (7). Though any dosage (100mg, 50mg, and 25mg) can help improve sexual performance better than placebo, a 100mg dose can last almost twice longer than a 50mg dose.
Sildenafil 100mg: More Than Just Duration
No matter the dose you end up taking, the following tips should support the efficacy of Sildenafil:
- Eat moderately and avoid drinking alcohol before taking the drug.
- Maintain a calm and relaxed mindset during sexual activity.
- Always follow the prescribed dosage when you have other medical conditions or are taking other medications.
With the question of “How long does Sildenafil 100mg last?” having been answered, you’re probably convinced that it offers a good balance between potency and duration.
Still, keep in mind that it’s essential to find the best dose—meaning it’s recommended to check with a doctor before taking the drug. If you have other questions, however, just leave a message in the comments box below.