Pfizer’s Viagra has been available since 1998. The active ingredient Sildenafil citrate, a PDE5 inhibitor, increases the blood flow to the penis to help men suffering from impotence (erectile dysfunction or ED). The increased blood flow results in an erection. Pfizer’s patent for Viagra expired in several European countries (including the UK) on 21 June 2013 allowing legal generic versions of the drug Sildenafil to be made available.
One of the most common questions associated with sildenafil (Viagra) and other PDE5 inhibitors is how long does it last?
The simple answer is usually around 4 hours, with the maximum effect between 30 mins and 2.5 hours after taking – see graph below. However several factors will have an effect on how quickly the drug is absorbed and expelled from the bloodstream.
The following timeline has been collated from several studies:
First responders: 12 minutes Some men report achieving an erection as quickly as 12 minutes.
Average responders: 27 minutes Most men start to feel the benefit of sildenafil after 27 minutes.
Maximum effect: 57 minutes After 1 hour, the maximum concentration of the drug is in the bloodstream (this may increase by another hour if food was eaten prior to taking sildenafil).
Half mast: 4 hours Sildenafil has a 4-hour ‘half-life’, meaning half of the drug has left the bloodstream after 4 hours.
Still effective?: 10 hours Some men may still be able to achieve a satisfactory erection after 10 hours, although the duration will become shorter.
All gone: 24 hours After 24 hours all traces of the drug in the bloodstream has practically gone.
As soon as a potential patient thinks of taking medicine for erectile dysfunction, these practical questions come into play:
who can take it?
what is the drug composed of?
when should you take it?
how long does it last?
Though specific questions or concerns should always be discussed with a doctor, it never hurts to be informed about any medicine you are thinking of taking. Read in full
If you have erectile dysfunction, desperation can drive you to consider almost any option. But it’s important to avoid the temptation of buying any drug that isn’t currently licenced and regulated for sale in the UK, particularly when buying online. Read in full
Club drugs include Ecstasy (MDMA), the ‘date rape drug’ (Rohypnol), Crystal meth or Speed (Methamphetamine), acid (LSD), Special K (Ketamine) and Poppers (amyl nitrates). Increasingly the dangers of these drugs are escalated by taking more than one at the same time.
Typically taken at raves, parties, and clubs, these drugs are used to enhance or distort sensations and perceptions, to feel euphoric, and experience greater enjoyment. They are perceived to increase self-confidence and physical energy.
Of course these drugs are illegal for a reason. They have adverse effects and can be dangerous, even fatal. Problems arise from toxicity due to excessive dose, from interactions, and due to impurities. Illegal drugs are not monitored for quality. Read in full
When Viagra lost its patent on sildenafil in June of 2013, generic manufacturers were then licenced to produce the active chemical component of Viagra, sildenafil citrate, now commonly referred to as just sildenafil.
As the drug became less expensive, an increasing number of men have been able to use it, and their experiences are of interest to many new patients who have been prescribed sildenafil, or would like to find out more about it. Read in full
Both Viagra and sildenafil are widely used to treat erectile dysfunction. In fact, they contain the same active ingredient. Viagra is a brand name for the sildenafil produced and sold by the company Pfizer. Sildenafil is also sold as a generic drug, which is medically identical to Viagra.
Sildenafil citrate was created in 1989 by British scientists Albert Wood and Peter Dunn as a possible treatment for hypertension and angina; conditions associated with coronary heart disease. In 1991 Dr. Nicholas Terrett, now often referred to as the father of Viagra, was named in the British patent for the drug as a heart medication. And though Pfizer’s early trials of the drug in the 1990s did not prove its efficacy as a heart medication, patients who took part in the clinical trials reported increased erections after taking sildenafil. Separate studies provided more information on the biochemical process that causes erections, which helped scientists understand how sildenafil could enhance the effects of sexual stimulation and open up blood vessels in the penis. Sildenafil was then studied in men with erectile dysfunction, and in 1998 it was approved by the FDA specifically for treatment of ED and branded as Viagra. Read in full
Rupert Webster has been kind enough to share these true-life realisations with us, in the hope of helping men in similar situations. ED can wreak emotional havoc on individuals and couples, but knowing that others have been through the same kind of experience can be comforting and informative.
When you have ED, you grieve your sex life Not being able to get an erection makes you feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself. My mind was flooded with memories of my first time, of the wonderful sex my wife and I had on our honeymoon, of the time we … well, you get the picture. It’s tough to think that it may never be that easy to have sex at the drop of a hat, and you may not ever be able to have sex at all.
My communication was terrible I was so closed up. I really was. The first time I couldn’t perform I just pretended it had never happened. The next day it was business as usual. We started our day with a cup of tea and breakfast, a quick kiss goodbye. After several weeks it became apparent that I still couldn’t get an erection – yet I still couldn’t bring myself to speak about it. I didn’t even try to get treatment. My wife was no doubt going through her own range of emotions, but she, like me, was withdrawn. Even after 17 years of marriage neither of us felt comfortable enough to talk about it. Read in full
Sildenafil 100mg, 50mg, and 25mg available from Dr Fox online doctor and pharmacy from 50p each.
Generic sildenafil citrate comes in preparations of 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Your first prescription will usually be for 50mg, which is the recommended starting dose. At this dose you and your doctor can monitor your physical reaction to the medicine and address any possible side effects early on. If 50mg is very effective the dose can be reduced to 25mg. But, if it is well-tolerated and only mediocre results are reported, men are then often upgraded to sildenafil 100mg.
It is recommended that several attempts are made using the recommended starting dose before adjusting. Several factors can affect the efficacy of sildenafil citrate, including sexual stimulation, and what you eat and drink at the time.
Any man who finds himself unable to achieve or maintain an erection for more than a few weeks should visit his doctor to determine the cause. But, in today’s day and age many patients turn to Google before scheduling a visit with their GP, especially when it comes to embarrassing health conditions.
Erectile dysfunction is very common and can have a range of different causes. This list can help you evaluate the possible reasons behind it before you visit your GP. Keep in mind that a professional diagnosis must be made before you buy Viagra or any other medicines; treatment for ED can only be supplied following a health consultation. Read in full
One of the most common questions associated with sildenafil (Viagra) and other PDE5 inhibitors is how long does it last?
Club drugs include Ecstasy (MDMA), the ‘date rape drug’ (Rohypnol), Crystal meth or Speed (Methamphetamine), acid (LSD), Special K (Ketamine) and Poppers (amyl nitrates). Increasingly the dangers of these drugs are escalated by taking more than one at the same time.
When Viagra lost its patent on sildenafil in June of 2013, generic manufacturers were then licenced to produce the active chemical component of Viagra, sildenafil citrate, now commonly referred to as just sildenafil.
Both Viagra and sildenafil are widely used to treat erectile dysfunction. In fact, they contain the same active ingredient. Viagra is a brand name for the sildenafil produced and sold by the company Pfizer. Sildenafil is also sold as a generic drug, which is medically identical to Viagra.
Rupert Webster has been kind enough to share these true-life realisations with us, in the hope of helping men in similar situations. ED can wreak emotional havoc on individuals and couples, but knowing that others have been through the same kind of experience can be comforting and informative.
Any man who finds himself unable to achieve or maintain an erection for more than a few weeks should visit his doctor to determine the cause. But, in today’s day and age many patients turn to Google before scheduling a visit with their GP, especially when it comes to embarrassing health conditions.