Sildenafil and its use in treating erectile dysfunction

Sildenafil is a medication commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction, helping men achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity.

General duration of Sildenafil's effect

Sildenafil usually lasts for 4-6 hours at full potency. Some effect will continue while there is still some of the medication in the bloodstream.

Factors affecting the duration of Sildenafil's effect

The duration of Sildenafil's effect depends on several factors, such as health, age, dosage, and sexual activity.

These factors can influence how long the medication remains effective for each individual.

Time to reach maximum effect

The maximum effect of Sildenafil is typically achieved between 30 minutes and 2.5 hours after taking the medication.

Time for Sildenafil to start working

Sildenafil starts working within 30-60 minutes of taking it, with some men finding that it works even faster.

Recommended time to take Sildenafil before sexual activity

It is advised to take Sildenafil between 30 minutes and 4 hours before engaging in sexual activity to ensure its effectiveness.

Terminal half-life of Sildenafil

The terminal half-life of Sildenafil is 3-5 hours, meaning that the drug's therapeutic response is expected to be sustained for at least 3 hours following a dose of 100 mg.

Sildenafil's effect on erection duration and rigidity

Sildenafil has been shown to increase the duration of rigidity by three- to fourfold compared to a placebo. The median total duration of erections with >60% rigidity, as determined by RigiScan® monitoring during the 70 minutes after dosing, was 8.5 minutes (range 0-48 minutes) for sildenafil recipients, compared with 0 for the placebo recipients. Among the sildenafil responders, the median total duration of grade 3 or 4 erections was 9±1.9 minutes.

Possible side effects of Sildenafil

Sildenafil can cause serious side effects, such as priapism (a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours) and sudden vision loss. It is important to seek medical help immediately if you experience priapism, as it can cause irreversible damage if left untreated.

Importance of taking Sildenafil as prescribed and seeking medical help for side effects

Sildenafil should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider. If you experience any side effects or have concerns about the medication, consult with your healthcare provider for guidance and appropriate action.