There are no antidotes available for sildenafil. There are many other treatments for erectile dysfunction. If you have an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours, you should go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Because Sildenafil ratiopharm is a generic medicine , studies in patients have been limited to tests to determine that it is bioequivalent to the reference medicine, Viagra. Viagra doesn’t work instantaneously.Typical dosing for Sildenafil (Viagra) The typical dose is to take 50 mg of sildenafil (Viagra) by mouth, about 1 hour before sex, as needed. The maximum recommended dose is mg. Don’t take sildenafil (Viagra) more than once daily (at any dose). Written by Brian Leonard, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP. Viagra is absorbed quickly into your body. It can start working within 30 minutes, but it may take a couple hours for some people. However, one study on Viagra found that about 70% of men achieved erections in 30 minutes, and more than 80% of men achieved erections within 45 minutes. For most men, the effects of Viagra will start within . Key facts. Sildenafil (Viagra) is a medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED, also called impotence). Sildenafil works by helping to relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in and cause an erection. You should take sildenafil about an hour before planned sexual activity, so it has time to work.