Sexual health · FAQ
How soon can Sildenafil 50 mg work, and how long can its effects last?
Short answer
Sildenafil may start helping within 30–60 minutes, and its effects may last up to about four hours. Results vary. Sexual stimulation is needed, and a high-fat meal may delay the effect. Follow your physician’s directions and label; do not take an extra tablet if it does not work as expected.
Sildenafil may start helping with an erection within 30–60 minutes. Its effects may last up to about four hours, but this does not mean you should have an erection for four hours. Results vary. Sexual stimulation is needed, and the medicine does not cause a constant or automatic erection.
A high-fat meal can delay the effect. Timing, alcohol use, stress, and the underlying cause of erection problems may also affect your experience. Follow your prescribing physician’s instructions and the pharmacy label rather than changing the dose or timing on your own.
If one dose does not help, do not take an extra tablet that day. This page lists a maximum of one tablet per day. Ask your physician what to do if the prescribed treatment does not meet your needs. They can review how you used it, possible interactions, and other causes of erection problems.
An erection lasting more than four hours needs emergency medical care, even without pain. Do not wait for it to go away on its own.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.