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    Erectile Dysfunction
    Updated at: September 19, 20243 min read

    When should I take Viagra for the best results?

    Key Takeaways

    Take Viagra on an Empty Stomach:

    For the best results, take Viagra on an empty stomach or before a meal. Eating a large, especially fatty, meal can delay how quickly the medication works and make it less effective.

    Expect Results in 30 Minutes to 1 Hour:

    Viagra typically starts working within 30 minutes to an hour, so plan accordingly when anticipating sexual activity.

    Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:

    To maximize Viagra's effectiveness, keep your body in good health by avoiding excessive alcohol, large fatty meals, and unhealthy habits. Consult your doctor to ensure Viagra is safe for you, especially if you have conditions like diabetes.

    When should I take Viagra?

    You can take the pill up to 4 hours before performing sexual activity (NHS, 2022).

    How quickly does Viagra start to work?

    Viagra, the most popular medication for the treatment of erectile dysfunction usually starts to work within 30 minutes to 1 hour.

    Should I take Viagra before eating?

    For Viagra to give the best results, it should be taken before you eat a large meal because food can delay its absorption. Taking Viagra on a full stomach may make it not as effective as expected.

    Taking Viagra with a heavy meal, especially one high in fat, will take the body longer to absorb the medication (WebMD, 2023). Longer absorption time means that Viagra is not as concentrated in your blood, making it less effective. This could mean that you will get an erection later than expected, or that your erection will not be as strong as expected and not as long you would have expected.

    Take Precautions

    Viagra, when taken for erectile dysfunction, is most often effective. However, the drug can be less effective for men with certain conditions such as diabetes or nerve damage (Diabetes UK, 2023) so you should always consult your doctor prior to starting treatment to ensure that it is safe and suitable for you. 

    A man placing a Viagra tablet into his mouth

    Men should remember the following before taking Viagra:

    • Do not take Viagra on a full stomach as it will slow down the absorption of the drug

    • Do not eat too much fatty foods

    • Avoid the consumption of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs and marijuana as they can worsen the symptoms of erectile dysfunction (NHS, 2022)

    Viagra works best when you maintain a healthy lifestyle. The drug stops the chemical reaction that allows blood to leave an erect penis. For Viagra to be effective, your body should be at its optimum health. You can get the best results from Viagra if you have healthy blood flow, hormone levels, and overall cardiovascular health.

    Making sure that you are healthy, you avoid large fatty meals, excessive intake of alcoholic drinks, and use of medications that cause ED will ensure that Viagra will work best for you. Changing your lifestyle and health habits will contribute to getting the best results from Viagra.

    Viagra tablets laid out on a table next to a condom

    Sources

    Viagra (Sildenafil) - NHS

    More information

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    Related Products

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    Blog author

    Scott Weaver

    Scott is an experienced and professional content writer who works exclusively for UK Meds.

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