How Does Viagra Work? Learn More About Viagra Mechanism Of Action

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team

Published on April 28, 2022

Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, is the first agent used to treat sexual problems like erectile dysfunction (ED), formerly known as impotence. But how does viagra work exactly?

In this article, we want to talk about the mechanism of action of Viagra and how long it takes for it to work for erectile dysfunction (ED). If you are interested in this topic, keep reading to the end, or jump to the section you are more interested in:

 - What is viagra? 

 - What is the mechanism of action of viagra? 

 - How long does it take for viagra to work? 

 - Final words

 What Is Viagra? 

In short, Viagra is an oral medication used to decrease the symptoms of ED. It helps you form and maintain an erection after being sexually stimulated. 

As mentioned above, the active ingredient in Viagra is called sildenafil. Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. We will discuss more how Viagra works in the following section. 

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Viagra is produced in two forms:

1. branded
2. generic

The generic Viagra is named after its active ingredient, sildenafil. Sildenafil and Viagra work the same. They come with similar benefits and side effects. 

The only difference between the two is the cost; branded Viagra comes at a much higher price, purely for the fact that it is a brand. 

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If erections last for four hours or more or are painful, seek immediate medical help.

 What Is the Mechanism of Action of Viagra? 

In order to know how Viagra works, we need to take a look at the mechanism of action of Viagra.

Sildenafil does not directly cause an erection. It enhances the effect of nitric oxide (NO). But, what is NO?

Erection happens when nitric oxide (NO) releases in the corpus cavernosum during sexual stimulation. NO operates on an enzyme called guanylate cyclase. This enzyme increases the level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). 

Read more: Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) Over The Counter In Canada: An Overview

Mixing ED medications together and doubling up on their dosage can harm your health. If you notice that some ED medication is not working for you, talk to your doctor.

The increased level of cGMP smoothes the muscles in the corpus cavernosum, resulting in the blood flow to the penis and the voila, an erection!

This mechanism of action of Viagra is precisely why it was at first used for the treatment of angina - or chest pain associated with inadequate blood flow to the heart. The powers of Viagra on other parts were accidentally discovered! 

Now that we covered how Viagra works and know about its mechanism of action, it's time to see how much time we need before it does its magic.

 How Long Does It Take for Viagra To Work? 

Viagra starts to work between 30 minutes to two hours after taking the pill. 

Of course, taking Viagra alone does not cause an erection, and you still need to be sexually aroused.

Read more: Where to buy Viagra in Canada

On average, Viagra lasts 2 to hours before its effect starts to diminish. Viagra can last up to 5 hours depending on many factors, including:

1. its dosage
2. your metabolism
3. your age
4. your medications
5. your lifestyle
6. your physical and psychological health

Remember: If erections last for four hours or more, or are painful, seek immediate medical help. An erection that lasts more than four hours is called priapism and can cause severe damage to the tissues that help you become erect.

How does Viagra work?

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 Final Words

This article covers how Viagra works and the Viagra mechanism of action. It is interesting and useful to know how it all works out. But, you need to remember that in regards to what ED medication is best for you and what dosage you should take, you need to talk to your healthcare provider and do as they say.

Mixing ED medications together and doubling up on their dosage on your own can be very harmful to your health. If you notice that some ED medication is not working for you, talk to your doctor.

If you prefer not to talk about your problems in the bedroom to your own doctor, contact UPGUYS today from anywhere in Canada. We'll connect you to one of the Canadian doctors on our team and send you the best medication tailored to your needs to your address in just a couple of days.