Sildenafil Dosage Guide
Reviewed by Dr Bhavini Shah
Sildenafil is widely recognized as a leading treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition faced by many men who struggle to achieve or maintain an erection without assistance. As a generic alternative to Viagra, Sildenafil contains the same active ingredient (sildenafil citrate) and works effectively to enhance blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal.
This medication comes in three strengths: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. If you are contemplating taking Sildenafil but are unsure about the appropriate dosage for your needs, continue reading to explore your options.
Sildenafil dosage guide
Obtaining Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
If you have been encountering difficulties with achieving and sustaining erections, it is crucial that you consult with a healthcare professional. Erectile dysfunction can potentially indicate underlying health issues that may need to be addressed.
Dr Neel Patel elaborates, stating, “If you continue to experience ED and find it impacting your self-esteem or sexual relationships, seeking medical advice could be beneficial. Though uncommon, erectile dysfunction can be an indication of serious health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.”
If your healthcare provider determines that treatment is suitable for your condition, they may suggest oral medications such as Sildenafil, in conjunction with lifestyle modifications that can enhance your overall health. The most commonly prescribed dosages of Sildenafil are the 50mg and 100mg options.
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Available Dosages of Sildenafil
Sildenafil is offered in three varying strengths: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. As a general rule, higher dosages lead to increased effectiveness, but they can also heighten the likelihood of side effects. It's essential that your doctor determines the most appropriate and safest dose tailored to your individual health needs.
The three available dosages include:
| Strength | 25mg | 50mg | 100mg |
| Dosage type | Minimum | Standard | Maximum |
| Quantity | One tablet a day |
One tablet a day |
One tablet a day |
| Price per pack | From £16.00 |
From £15.00 |
From £25.00 |
What Is the Maximum Dosage of Sildenafil?
The maximum allowable dose of Sildenafil is 100mg per day. Being the highest strength, it is essential to refrain from taking more than one tablet within a 24-hour timeframe.
“Your healthcare provider may prescribe a different dose, either lower or higher, based on your specific health condition and how effectively Sildenafil is working for you. Strict adherence to dosing guidelines is crucial.” - Dr Bhavini Shah
Which Dosage of Sildenafil Should I Take?
The standard initial prescribed dose is typically 50mg. This dosage is favored due to its efficacy in treating erectile dysfunction for most men. However, your healthcare provider may suggest a different dosage based on various factors, including age, medical history, current medications, kidney function, and lifestyle factors such as BMI (Body Mass Index). Your doctor will help determine the most suitable dosage for your specific circumstances.
Utilizing Sildenafil 25mg
In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe the lower dose of 25mg. This may be due to the presence of certain health conditions or increased susceptibility to side effects, making it prudent to start with a lower strength. While diminished doses still have the potential to cause side effects, they may be less severe than those experienced at higher dosages.
How to effectively use Sildenafil 25mg:
- Take one tablet approximately 60 minutes before planned sexual activity
- It is crucial to be sexually stimulated for Sildenafil to exert its effects
- Do not consume more than one dose within a 24-hour period
Sildenafil 25mg was Ineffective for Me. What Should I Do?
If the 25mg dosage does not produce the expected results, first ensure that you are adequately sexually aroused, as Sildenafil requires this stimulation to be effective on its own. Additionally, limit alcohol consumption as it can interfere with the effectiveness.
Should Sildenafil 25mg fail to deliver the desired results, consider the following options:
- Try taking Sildenafil 25mg again. Medical professionals often recommend that patients use ED tablets on about eight separate occasions before altering treatment or increasing dosages.
- Consult your healthcare provider about the possibility of increasing your dosage or reach out to us through your Patient Record for assistance.
- Consider a different medication containing an alternative active ingredient. Discuss with your doctor what treatment options may be suitable for you.
Utilizing Sildenafil 50mg
Sildenafil 50mg is the most frequently prescribed dosage. If this is your first experience with Sildenafil for erectile dysfunction treatment, this dosage is likely what you will receive.
Guidelines for taking Sildenafil 50mg:
- Take only one tablet per instance
- Administer the tablet one hour before engaging in sexual activity
- Avoid heavy meals just prior to taking the medication
- Limit alcohol intake to one or two units before consuming the medication
- Do not exceed one tablet within a 24-hour period
Sildenafil 50mg was Ineffective for Me. What Should I Do?
Controlled clinical research indicates that Sildenafil 50mg exhibited effectiveness in approximately 74% of men experiencing erectile dysfunction. Therefore, it is quite probable that you might achieve satisfactory results with this dosage.
If you discover that Sildenafil 50mg does not yield the desired outcome on your initial attempt, consider these steps:
- Try Sildenafil on several additional occasions, ensuring adherence to recommended usage (physicians typically advise trying ED tablets up to eight times before considering dosage adjustments or alternate treatments).
- If you continue to have limited success, discuss with your prescribing doctor about potentially transitioning to Sildenafil 100mg. If you obtained your prescription through our service, please send a message in your Patient Record.
- Explore the option of utilizing a different ED medication, such as Cialis.
It's crucial to never adjust your Sildenafil dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
Utilizing Sildenafil 100mg
There are scenarios where your healthcare provider may prescribe 100mg of Sildenafil from the outset. However, it is more common to begin with the 50mg dosage, gradually increasing to 100mg if necessary.
Sildenafil 100mg should be consumed in the same manner as lower dosages: one hour prior to sexual activity and ideally on a relatively empty stomach. While there is not a significant difference in the effect duration between Sildenafil 100mg and 50mg, clinical data indicates that the higher dosage may demonstrate efficacy in approximately 82% of users, compared to 74% for the lower dose.
The effects of Sildenafil 100mg do not extend beyond those experienced with the 50mg dose; however, they tend to be more intense, which can also lead to an increased likelihood of side effects.
Common side effects associated with Sildenafil include:
- Headaches
- Facial flushing
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Congestion in the nasal passages
Although these side effects do not uniformly affect all patients, they may be more prevalent in individuals taking the 100mg dosage.
Sildenafil 100mg was Ineffective for Me. What Should I Do?
If you find that Sildenafil 100mg is not providing the desired effects, it is essential to discuss this with your prescribing healthcare provider. They may recommend that you continue using the medication a few more times before considering alternative treatments.
As 100mg represents the highest available prescription strength, never attempt to ‘double up’ on tablets or consume more than one in a single 24-hour period. If Sildenafil 100mg is ineffective, your healthcare provider will likely guide you toward different ED treatment options.
How Long Does Sildenafil Persist in the System?
When effective, the results from a 50mg dosage of Sildenafil can last between 4 to 6 hours. During this timeframe, you should be able to maintain an erection whenever sexually stimulated.
The specific dosage you consume does not affect the duration of effects. Moreover, the treatment does not influence your stamina during intercourse.
It’s important to remember that Sildenafil, alongside any other ED tablets, will only work if you experience sexual arousal; it does not function as an ‘aphrodisiac’ on its own.
Alternative Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
If Sildenafil does not meet your needs, consider discussing alternative treatments with your healthcare provider to identify the best option for your situation.
Alternative options for managing ED may include medications that feature different active ingredients but deliver similar effects to Sildenafil. These alternatives can include:
- Cialis
- Tadalafil
- Spedra
- Vardenafil
- Vitaros ED cream
In certain instances, if the root cause of your erectile dysfunction is psychological in nature, counseling may prove beneficial. If the ED arises from physical trauma or an underlying ailment, targeted treatments or lifestyle adjustments—such as weight management and regular exercise.
To glean further insights regarding Sildenafil, visit our online clinic.
Conclusion
Sildenafil is available in three dosages: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Administered approximately 60 minutes before sexual activity, it can help men facing erectile dysfunction to achieve and maintain an erection. The optimal dosage for you will depend on various factors. Initiate your online consultation today, and our clinicians will ensure that it is safe for you to take.
References
www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/30907