Sildenafil is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s ideally taken around an hour before sex and helps men achieve and maintain stronger erections while sexually aroused. Sildenafil generally starts working within 30 to 60 minutes, but some men may notice effects sooner, while others may need a little longer.
In this article:
When does Sildenafil start working?
What affects how quickly Sildenafil works?
When should you take Sildenafil?
How long does Sildenafil last?
Does Sildenafil work faster or last longer than other treatments?
What to do if Sildenafil isn’t working for you
When does Sildenafil start working?
Sildenafil typically begins working within 30 to 60 minutes for most men and reaches its peak effect after around one hour (1). But this is a general guide rather than a hard rule.
Everyone responds to medication slightly differently. Some men may find it takes a little longer to feel the effects, while the quickest reported time for Sildenafil to work is 12 minutes (2). This variation is completely normal and depends on how quickly your body absorbs the medication.
What’s consistent with all men is that there is always a short delay between taking Sildenafil and it working, as the drug needs a little time to be absorbed and delivered to where it’s needed. This is why it’s recommended to take it in advance of sexual activity, rather than in the moment.
It’s also key to remember that Sildenafil doesn’t cause an automatic erection when it starts working. Sexual stimulation is still needed for it to help erectile function.
What affects how quickly Sildenafil works?
Several factors can shape how quickly Sildenafil starts working:
Food: Eating a large or high-fat meal shortly before taking Sildenafil can slow down how quickly it enters the bloodstream, meaning it may take longer to feel the effects. When taking it on an empty stomach, you’ll typically see it working faster.
Alcohol: Alcohol does not directly interact with Sildenafil, but it can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and low blood pressure, so limiting intake is advisable (3).
Dose: Sildenafil tablets come in doses of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg (4). Higher doses may have a stronger effect, but they don’t necessarily work faster. Your prescribed dose is chosen based on what is safe and effective for you. Stick with it and don’t try to speed up the effects.
Metabolism: Everyone processes medication differently. Men with faster metabolisms may absorb Sildenafil and see it working more quickly (though the effects may wear off faster), while those with slower metabolisms may find it takes longer to work but lasts a little longer.
Health conditions: Sildenafil works by increasing blood flow to the penis. Any underlying health conditions that affect blood flow or vascular health can interfere with how long it takes the medicine to kick in, and how well it works when it does.
When should you take Sildenafil?
Most men are advised to take Sildenafil around 1 hour before they plan to have sex. Doing so gives it enough time to start working and reach peak levels in the body.
But you don’t need to time it exactly. The effects of Sildenafil last for several hours, so you have a window of time where the medicine is effective. Instead of worrying about the precise moment to take an ED tablet, take it shortly before sex and focus on making adjustments that help it work better, like:
Taking it on an empty or relatively empty stomach
Avoiding heavy, high-fat meals beforehand
Limiting yourself to 1-2 alcoholic drinks
How long does Sildenafil last?
The effects of Sildenafil usually last between 4 and 6 hours (1). During this time, you should be able to maintain an erection as long as you’re sexually aroused. This doesn’t mean you’ll have an erection for the entire duration, but rather that the medication makes it easier to get one when you need one.
Once again, how long the effects last varies from person to person. Some men notice the effects wear off sooner, while others find it lasts closer to the full six hours. This often depends on factors such as how quickly your metabolism is and what dose of Sildenafil you’re taking.
Importantly, higher doses of Sildenafil don’t necessarily mean stronger erections for longer. Always stick to the prescribed dose, as higher doses can increase the risk of side effects.
Does Sildenafil work faster or last longer than other treatments?
Sildenafil is one of several tablets used to treat erectile dysfunction that work by increasing blood flow to the penis. But while they work in a similar way, they differ in how quickly they start working and how long their effects last. Here’s a quick comparison:
How long does it take to work? | How long does it last? | |
|---|---|---|
Sildenafil | Sildenafil usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes. | The effects typically last around 4 to 6 hours. |
Tadalafil | Like Sildenafil, tadalafil usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes, though some men may notice effects sooner. | The main difference is that those effects last up to 36 hours, giving it a much longer window of effectiveness (5). |
Avanafil | One of the faster-acting options, avanafil can be taken 15 to 30 minutes before sexual activity and can work as early as 10 minutes in some men (6). | The effects last around 4 to 6 hours on average, comparable to Sildenafil. |
Vardenafil | Vardenafil works in a similar timeframe to Sildenafil, working within 30 to 60 minutes. | The effects last for around 4 to 5 hours. However, it has fewer interactions with food, so its absorption isn’t as affected by what or how recently you’ve eaten. |
There isn’t a single “best” ED treatment. It depends on your routine and preferences. Some men prefer a longer-lasting option for more spontaneity, while others prefer something that works as quickly as possible to fit around a specific moment.
As Sildenafil sits somewhere in the middle, working within 30 to 60 minutes and lasting for several hours, many men find it a practical choice.
What to do if Sildenafil isn’t working for you
Sildenafil is a well-established, effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, with a relatively predictable onset time and duration that works well for many men. That said, how quickly and how well it works can vary from person to person.
It can take a little time to understand how your body responds, and small factors like timing, food, and alcohol can make a big difference. But if you’re not getting the results you expected, or you’re unsure whether Sildenafil is the best fit for you, there are other treatment options available.
At Oxford Online Pharmacy, our UK-registered doctors can help you explore your options through a simple, confidential online consultation.
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FAQs
Can I take Sildenafil every day?
Sildenafil is usually taken on an as-needed basis, around an hour before sexual activity, rather than daily. However, some men are prescribed a low daily dose under medical supervision. Always follow the guidance of your prescribing doctor and do not adjust your dose or frequency without consultation first.
Can I take Sildenafil more than once in 24 hours?
No. You should only take one dose of Sildenafil in any 24-hour period. Taking more than the prescribed dose does not improve results and increases the risk of side effects. If your current dose is not working well for you, speak to your doctor about whether an adjustment is appropriate.
Does Sildenafil work the first time you take it?
It can, but not always. Some men find that Sildenafil works well from the first dose, while others need a few attempts before seeing consistent results. Factors like anxiety, timing, food and alcohol intake can all influence how well it works on any given occasion. If Sildenafil has not worked after several attempts, speak to your prescribing doctor.
Can I take Sildenafil with other medications?
Sildenafil can interact with certain medicines, particularly nitrates used for heart conditions such as angina, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking before starting Sildenafil, including any bought over the counter or prescribed elsewhere.
Is Sildenafil the same as Viagra?
Yes. Viagra is the original brand name for Sildenafil, developed by Pfizer. Generic Sildenafil contains the same active ingredient at the same doses and works in exactly the same way. Generic versions are widely available in the UK at a lower cost and are equally effective.
References
NHS. About Sildenafil (Viagra) [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022.
Eardley I, Ellis P, Boolell M, Wulff M. Onset and duration of action of Sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2002 Mar 6;53:61S65S.
NHS. Common questions about Sildenafil [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022.
NHS. How and when to take Sildenafil [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022.
NHS. Common questions about tadalafil [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2022.
Hellstrom WJG, Kaminetsky J, Belkoff LH, Goldstein I, Tursi JP, Uy J, et al. Efficacy of Avanafil 15 Minutes after Dosing in Men with Erectile Dysfunction: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study. Journal of Urology. 2015 Aug;194(2):485–92.
Rajagopalan P, Mazzu A, Xia C, Dawkins R, Sundaresan P. Effect of High-Fat Breakfast and Moderate-Fat Evening Meal on the Pharmacokinetics of Vardenafil, an Oral Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction. The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2003 Mar;43(3):260–7.