How long does Sildenafil stay in your system?

Most people suffering from Erectile dysfunction (ED) are prescribed Sildenafil or its brand medicines. One question that often crosses the minds of people is, “How long does Sildenafil stay in your system?”. 

Sildenafil citrate is a prescription treatment for Impotence (inability to sustain an erection),  a prevalent health issue in the USA affecting nearly 30 million men [1]. Its faster onset of action and safety profile makes Sildenafil a common therapeutic choice for ED. 

However, before taking the medication, knowing answers to questions like how long does sildenafil last and its half-life will help improve the effectiveness of the ED pill. So, this comprehensive blog on how long Sildenafil stays in the system tries to answer such questions for you. 

Sildenafil- An Overview Of Who Should Take Sildenafil

Sildenafil is an oral drug that helps achieve an erection by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) enzyme in the corpus cavernosum (tissue of the penis).  

Sildenafil is a treatment option for erectile dysfunction arising from factors like overweight, diabetes, medications, high cholesterol, and blood pressure level [2]. 

It can improve some markers of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in people. 

How Long Does Sildenafil Take To Work?

Sildenafil takes 30 minutes to start working. According to a report by the National Library of Medicine, Sildenafil can produce a penetrative erection within 12 minutes of administration in most patients [3]. Thus, it is advised to take this ED pill 30 to 60 minutes before intercourse. 

How Long Does Sildenafil Last In Your System? 

The effects of Tapentadol last for 4 hours, whereas its maximum effects stay between 30 minutes to 2.5 hours from administration [2]. 

The timeline on how long the effects of Sildenafil last can be described as [2]-

• Beginners- 12 minutes.

• Average time for onset of action- 27 minutes. 

• Time to reach the maximum effect- 57 minutes. 

• Half-life- 4 hours.

• The effects can still be experienced- 10 hours.

• Complete elimination- 24 hours. 

Sildenafil is a short-acting PDE5 inhibitor making it a perfect option for beginners. With a few hours of the time of action, it can help achieve an erection only in the presence of sexual stimulation. 

Sildenafil Bioavailability

The bioavailability of a drug indicates the quantity of the drug that enters the circulation of the body following an administration [4]. 

The bioavailability of Sildenafil or Cenforce 100 mg with and without food over a period of 12 hours suggests-

• The intake of Sildenafil or Cenforce dosage without food results in reaching the maximum drug concentration within 1 hour. 

• In cases of intake of the ED pill without food causes a delay of 2 hours [5]. 

Sildenafil Half-Life- How Does It Affect Its Elimination Rate? 

Sildenafil and its metabolite have a half-life of 4 hours [6].  It is the time needed by the body to reduce the compound to half its initial value [7]. 

The elimination of Sildenafil from the body on the basis of its half-life is:

• After 3 to 4 hours from administration (1st half-life cycle)- About 50% of the Sildenafil remains in the system.

• After 6 to 8 hours (2nd half-life cycle)- About 25% of the compound remains. 

• After 9 to 12 hours (3rd half-life cycle)- About 12.5% of the Sildenafil compound remains. 

• After 12 to 16 hours from intake (4th half-life cycle)- Approximately 6.25%  of the PDE5 inhibitor remains. 

• After 15 to 20 hours (5th half-life cycle)- 3.125% of the Sildenafil citrate remains in the system [8]. 

The theoretical evaluation of how long Sildenafil stays in the system based on its half-life shows the compound takes about 5 half-life cycles to eliminate. 

How Long Does An Erection Last?

Based on the half-life and elimination rate of Sildenafil, let us have a look at how long an erection last based on the time of the last dosage. 

• 1 hour from taking Sildenafil or Cenforce dosage- An erection of up to 33 minutes. 

• 8 hours from taking the last dosage- The erection lasts for 23 minutes.

• 12 hours from taking the Sildenafil dosage- About 16 minutes of erection. 

Factors That Affect How Long Sildenafil Lasts

The factors that may affect the elimination and how long Sildenafil lasts in the body are mentioned below. 

• Food- The intake of food rich in carbohydrates and fats may take longer for this ED pill to work, further lowering its effectiveness. Taking Sildenafil on an empty stomach can make the medication work faster; however, the effects may wear off quickly. Therefore, having a light-balanced meal before taking this ED pill can be very beneficial. Consuming food that is rich in protein and fibers is recommended with this PDE5 inhibitor. 

• Limiting Alcohol Consumption- The use of alcohol can reduce the flow of blood into the penis, thus affecting the effectiveness of Sildenafil citrate. Further, the intake of alcoholic beverages may worsen the symptoms of Erectile dysfunction. It also affects the functioning of the heart, liver, and nerves, thus lowering the level of testosterone in the body. 

• Being In The Right State Of Mind- Sildenafil tablets only work when a person is sexually aroused. Thus, it is important to get yourself in the right mindset. Factors such as nervousness, anxiety, and stress can also affect the effectiveness of this ED pill. 

• Dosage- As a higher dose of Sildenafil contains a higher level of the compound, they work for a longer period. However, it is not safe, to begin with a higher dose of the ED pill, and they should be taken only after consulting a doctor. The recommended standard dose is Sildenafil or Cenforce 100 mg. 

• Age- Elderly people often experience a longer duration of action as they have a lower metabolic rate. Thus, people over 65 years should consult a physician before taking this ED pill. 

• Medication- Certain medications such as Darifenacin, Acalabrutinib, Conivaptan, Acebutolol, and Entacapone can reduce the effectiveness of Sildenafil by lowering its metabolic rate [9]

• Health And Lifestyle- Sildenafil works most effectively in healthy men, especially men with no cardiac, renal, or hepatic disorders. Some of the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle for Sildenafil to work effectively are mentioned below. 

  • Exercise- One potential cause of suffering from erectile dysfunction is a sedentary lifestyle. According to a study published by the Journal of sexual medicine, higher cardiovascular exercise is inversely associated with Erectile dysfunction [10]. Inactive men are 40 to 60% more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. 

    Regular exercise also helps in improving the mental health conditions such as stress and anxiety. This is helpful in improving Erectile dysfunction resulting from psychological conditions. 

  • Smoking- The compounds and toxins in cigarettes, such as arsenic, acetone, and carbon monoxide, can damage the lining of the blood vessels. Nicotine that is also known as a vasoconstrictor reduces the flow of blood in the body, including the penis, thus lowering the potency of Sildenafil. Thus, it is advised to avoid smoking while taking this ED pill. 

• Expiry Date- The use of expired Sildenafil tablets can also affect how long this ED stays in the system. It can also result in the occurrence of side effects. 

Our Final Thoughts - Sildenafil (AN 354 Pill) How Long Does It Last

The AN 354 pill is Sildenafil 50 mg tablet. The action of Sildenafil begins within 30 minutes and lasts for 4 to 5 hours. It takes about 5 half life-cycles for the body to eliminate Sildenafil from the body, thus making the compound stay in the system for about 20 hours. 

Factors such as age, food, alcohol, exercise, psychological factors, smoking, and medications may affect how long this PDE5 stays in the system.