How Long Does Viagra Last?

Viagra usually lasts around 4 to 6 hours, but It might last for a longer or shorter time depending on the person taking it. The only way to know exactly how long it will last for you is to try it and see for yourself.

There are a few things you can do to make sure Viagra lasts as long as possible for you, or there are alternatives that last longer too.

Find out how long Viagra can be made to last, which treatments stretch further, and how to last longer after ejaculating.

Last reviewed: 26/01/2021 by Dr Simran Deo

Contents

How long does Viagra last for?

Viagra can improve erections for up to 4 to 6 hours after it’s taken

• Levels of Viagra are highest in your body 30 to 120 minutes after you take a dose

• Viagra lasts a maximum of 12 hours, but it won’t last this long for everyone

• After 3 to 5 hours there is only half of maximum amount of Viagra left in your body

How long do erections last on Viagra?

Time after Viagra dose

How long erections last

This table shows how long erections last for men with erectile dysfunction after taking Viagra.

Viagra makes it easier for you to get and keep erections. It doesn’t give you an erection that lasts 4 to 6 hours. If you have a painful erection that lasts more than 2 hours you need emergency medical help.

The duration varies from person to person

Viagra won’t stop you losing your erection if you orgasm. Most people lose erections after they orgasm and then there will be a period of time where they won’t be able to get hard again (the refractory period). This is absolutely normal. After this rest period – which varies from person to person, you should find that you can get an erection again if aroused and if within the time the Viagra is still working.

Some studies show the effects of viagra can last for up to 12 hours or more. But, this won’t be the case for most people. Normally, the effects of the medication start wearing off 2 to 3 hours after first taking it. If you want to find out how long it lasts before you plan to use it for sex, you could try it by yourself first.

Does Viagra help you last longer in bed?

Viagra can only help you last longer in bed if you are losing erections before you orgasm. If you’re orgasming quicker than you want to during sex, you may be able to get premature ejaculation treatment.

See our page on Does Viagra Make You Last Longer for more information.

What helps Viagra last longer?

What you can do to make sure Viagra lasts as long as possible:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet:
  • Include more whole grains, fruit and vegetables in your diet
  • Reduce the amount of saturated fat you are eating
  • Reduce the number of takeaways you eat
  • Reduce your salt intake – 6g per day is the maximum
  • Avoid grapefruit juice when you take Viagra as it can stop it from working
  • Cut down on your alcohol intake:
    • You should avoid alcohol when you take Viagra as it can reduce how effective it is
    • If you do drink, keep it below 2 units of alcohol
    • Quit smoking:
      • Improves heart health, which means better blood flow to the penis
      • Exercise:
        • Reduces stress levels, which can make you more relaxed during sex
        • Improves heart health, which means better blood flow to the penis

        What factors effect how long Viagra lasts?

        • Your age:
          • If you’re over 65, your body gets less effective at removing Viagra from your body, meaning the effects can last longer
          • Alcohol:
            • Alcohol decreases the blood flow to your penis making it harder to get an erection, which makes it harder for Viagra to work
            • Alcohol also causes the nerves that control an erection to have a slower response, which can become permanent with chronic alcohol abuse. 
            • Drinking more than 2 units of alcohol while taking Viagra can increase the chance of negative side effects and make you unable to get and keep an erection
            • Diet:
              • A large meal that is high in fat can affect the way Viagra works, making it less effective and take longer to work
              • Taking the medication on an empty stomach means it will get to work much quicker
              • Other drugs:
                • Some antibiotics can increase the amount of Viagra in your system which can make it last longer and increase the chance of side effects
                • You should speak to your GP to check if you are at risk of any drug interactions
                • Dosage:
                  • Usually higher doses are more effective and tend to last longer
                  • Your GP will prescribe the right Viagra dosage to you
                  • Health:
                    • Your overall health and fitness will affect Viagra’s working time
                    • Liver and kidney problems can cause Viagra to stay in your system for longer. 
                    • Since Viagra can be unsafe for some people, make sure you tell your doctor about all health conditions you have when you order Viagra.

                    Can you take more Viagra to make it last longer?

                    No, you can only safely take Viagra once every 24 hours. Even though the effects of Viagra won’t last longer than 12 hours, it takes 24 hours to make sure it’s safely out of your system. 

                    Taking more than one Viagra in the same 24 hour period could mean the amount of Viagra in your body builds up to unsafe levels. Having unsafe levels of Viagra in your body increases your risk of side effects, including those that are more serious.

                    You also can’t take Viagra with other erectile dysfunction tablets for the same reasons.