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Viagra is a revolutionary drug that helps millions of men all over the world. It enables you to maintain an erection by inhibiting the production of phosphodiesterase type 5, an enzyme that breaks down guanosine monophosphate (GMP). This substance relaxes your penis’ muscles, allowing it to swell with blood [1]. Due to this, the question―Does Viagra show up on a drug test?― is a common question to ask.
This article will answer that question. But before doing that, you have to know the basics of Viagra first.
What Is Viagra?
Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), and it has always been effective. Due to this, many regularly take Viagra, including aging men [2].
Sildenafil is the generic name of Viagra. It is a drug that mainly acts as an inhibitor that naturally restores an erection in response to different sexual stimuli. However, Viagra cannot cause an erection without proper sexual stimuli. Also, Viagra can cause an erection only if your vessels are not obstructed. Thus, Viagra cannot do its work if your vessels are not working correctly [3].
Viagra can treat erectile dysfunction symptoms with various origins. A study showed that Viagra could treat erectile dysfunction caused by organic, psychological, and mixed factors. It improved erectile function, orgasmic function, and sexual satisfaction as well [4].
How Long Does Viagra Last?
Viagra typically has an oral dose of 50-100 mg. Viagra can be taken before you have intercourse, but taking more than one tablet a day can be dangerous.
You also have to note that Viagra is not an over-the-counter drug. This means that it cannot be bought without a doctor’s prescription.
The medication is quickly absorbed by the body. Viagra can cause an erection for as early as 12 minutes in a few patients. For most patients, it takes 30 minutes to produce a proper erection. It can last for a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 6 hours [5].
However, the action duration of Viagra depends on various factors, such as your age, diet, and psychological state.
If you are 65 years old or more, Viagra may last longer. Eating a big meal with lots of fatty food right before you take Viagra can slow down the drug’s metabolism. Moreover, feeling nervous or anxious may prevent Viagra from working optimally.
Does Viagra Show Up on a Drug Test?
Don’t worry about Viagra showing up on your drug test.
Viagra can only show up on a drug test if the test includes Sildenafil among its targeted substances. To put it simply, the drug test has to be for Viagra and other drugs.
However, if the drug test is designed to spot commonly abused drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and morphine, Viagra will now show up on your results.
Remember, it is not illegal to take Viagra as long as you get a doctor’s prescription first.
So, does Viagra show up on a drug test? The answer to this is both yes or no. Don’t worry about the yes part, since most drug tests are administered for commonly abused drugs only.
