Viagra (sildenafil) typically stays in your system for up to 24 hours, although its effects are strongest for about 4 to 6 hours after taking a dose. This duration is linked to sildenafil’s half-life of approximately 4 hours, meaning it takes about 16 to 20 hours (4-5 half-lives) for the drug to be almost entirely eliminated from the body
. Key points about Viagra’s duration in the body:
- Onset: Viagra usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes, sometimes as quickly as 12 minutes, depending on individual factors like metabolism and food intake
- Effectiveness window: The peak effects last about 4 hours, during which you are most capable of achieving an erection with sexual stimulation
- Total presence: While the active effects diminish after 4-6 hours, traces of the drug can remain detectable in the body for up to 24 hours or slightly longer depending on dose and metabolism
- Dosage impact: The time Viagra stays active doesn’t significantly change with dosage, but higher doses may take longer to clear from the system
- Food effects: Taking Viagra with a high-fat meal can delay absorption and onset of effects
If you take Viagra, it is recommended not to take another dose within 24 hours to avoid increased risk of side effects
. In summary, Viagra’s active effects last around 4 to 6 hours, but the medication can remain in your system for about 24 hours before it is fully cleared.
