Sildenafil Dosage Guide
Reviewed by Dr Bhavini Shah
Sildenafil is a widely recognized tablet prescribed for erectile dysfunction (ED), commonly utilized by men who experience difficulties achieving an erection independently. As the generic form of Viagra, it shares the same active ingredient (sildenafil citrate), ensuring that it operates in an identical manner to its branded counterpart.
Available in three distinct dosage strengths: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg, Sildenafil caters to a range of preferences and medical needs. If you are contemplating starting Sildenafil but are uncertain about which dosage might be the most appropriate for your situation, continue reading to uncover essential information that can guide your decision-making.
Sildenafil dosage guide
Getting treatment for erectile dysfunction
If you are encountering challenges in obtaining and maintaining erections, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. Experiencing erectile dysfunction might indicate an underlying health concern.
Dr. Neel Patel emphasizes that “if you consistently face issues with ED and believe it is impacting your self-esteem or intimate life, seeking professional medical advice is advisable. Though not common, ED can sometimes be a symptom of more severe health issues such as diabetes or cardiovascular complications.”
Should your healthcare provider conclude that treatment is warranted, they may prescribe a medication like Sildenafil in conjunction with recommended lifestyle modifications. Commonly, Sildenafil is dispensed in two primary dosages: 50mg and 100mg.
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Available Sildenafil doses
Sildenafil is sold in three dosage options: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. As you increase the dosage, the medication's potency intensifies; however, this corresponds with a heightened likelihood of experiencing side effects. Your physician will prescribe a dosage tailored to ensure your safety and effectiveness.
The three dosages offered are:
| 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 dose of Sildenafil?
The upper limit for Sildenafil dosage is 100mg. Since this represents the most potent option, you should avoid taking more than one tablet within a 24-hour timeframe.
“Depending on your overall health and the effectiveness of Sildenafil for your condition, your healthcare provider may prescribe either a lower or higher dose. It’s critical to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosing guidelines.” - Dr. Bhavini Shah
What dose of Sildenafil should I take?
The typical initial dose recommended is 50mg. This dosage is frequently suggested due to its effectiveness for many men. However, your prescribed dosage may vary based on a range of factors, including your age, medical history, current medications, kidney function, and body mass index (BMI). Consulting with your healthcare provider will ensure that you receive the most suitable dose for your needs.
Taking Sildenafil 25mg
In some cases, your healthcare provider may suggest starting with the lower 25mg dosage of Sildenafil. This could be due to various reasons, such as a higher likelihood of experiencing side effects or having certain health conditions that necessitate a cautious approach. Even at lower doses, side effects might occur, but they generally tend to be less severe.
How to take Sildenafil 25mg
- Administer one tablet roughly 60 minutes prior to the anticipated sexual activity
- It is imperative to be sexually aroused for Sildenafil to be effective
- Avoid taking more than one dose in a 24-hour period
Sildenafil 25mg didn’t work for me. What should I do?
If the 25mg dosage fails to produce the expected results, the first step is to ensure you are sufficiently sexually aroused, as Sildenafil requires this stimulus to work effectively. Additionally, it is advisable to limit alcohol consumption.
If you find that Sildenafil 25mg is ineffective, consider the following options:
- Consider retrying Sildenafil 25mg. Medical professionals recommend using erectile dysfunction tablets around eight times before deciding to change medication or increase the dosage.
- Consult with your healthcare provider regarding the possibility of increasing the dosage or reach out to us through your Patient Record.
- You may wish to explore alternative medications that contain different active ingredients. Discuss the options with your healthcare provider to find a solution that may be more effective for you.
Taking Sildenafil 50mg
The 50mg dosage of Sildenafil is the most commonly prescribed strength for individuals seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction. If you are using this medication for the first time, there is a high likelihood that you will be offered this particular dosage.
When using Sildenafil 50mg, follow these guidelines:
- Always take only one tablet at a time
- Consume the tablet one hour prior to your planned sexual activity
- Avoid heavy meals leading up to taking this medication
- Refrain from consuming more than one or two alcoholic beverages beforehand
- Limit your intake to one tablet per 24-hour period
Sildenafil 50mg didn’t work for me. What should I do?
In clinical studies, Sildenafil 50mg demonstrated a success rate of 74% among men experiencing erectile dysfunction. Therefore, a significant number of users find this dosage effective.
If you find that Sildenafil 50mg does not yield results on your first attempt, here are some recommendations:
- Utilize Sildenafil exactly as directed for at least seven more attempts, as medical professionals recommend giving ED medications eight trials before changing the dosage or seeking alternative treatments.
- If you continue to experience challenges, consult your prescribing doctor about potentially switching to Sildenafil 100mg. If you ordered your medication through us, feel free to send a message in your Patient Record.
- Consider the option of trying a different ED tablet such as Cialis.
It is essential never to adjust your Sildenafil dosage without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
Taking Sildenafil 100mg
It is possible that your healthcare provider may have prescribed the 100mg dose of Sildenafil right from the start. Typically, patients begin with the 50mg dosage and increase it to 100mg if they do not experience satisfactory results.
For Sildenafil 100mg, follow the same method of administration as the smaller dosages: consume the tablet one hour prior to engaging in sexual activity and ensure your stomach is not overly full. There isn't a significant difference between the effectiveness of Sildenafil 100mg and 50mg; however, clinical research has shown that the higher dosage exhibits an effectiveness rate of 82%, compared to 74% for the lower dosage.
While the effects of Sildenafil 100mg do not extend longer than those of the 50mg version, they tend to be more powerful. This increased potency can also lead to heightened side effects in some cases.
Common side effects linked with Sildenafil usage include:
- Headaches
- Facial flushing
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Congestion
While not everyone will experience these side effects, they become more likely as the dosage increases, particularly with Sildenafil 100mg.
Sildenafil 100mg didn’t work for me. What should I do?
If you have discovered that Sildenafil 100mg is not effective for your needs, it is important to have a conversation with your prescribing doctor. They will likely advise you to try the medication a few more times before considering other options.
Since 100mg is the highest available dosage, it is critical never to take a double dose or exceed one tablet within a 24-hour period. Sildenafil 100mg represents the maximum safe dosage; if it proves ineffective for you, it may be time to explore alternative ED treatments.
How long does Sildenafil last?
When effective, the duration of Sildenafil 50mg's effects typically ranges from 4 to 6 hours. During this timeframe, you should have the ability to achieve an erection whenever sexual arousal occurs.
The specific dosage you are taking does not influence the duration of these effects, and the treatment itself will not modify your endurance in bed.
It's important to note that Sildenafil, along with all other erectile dysfunction medications, will only function if you are sexually aroused; it is not an 'aphrodisiac' on its own.
Alternative erectile dysfunction treatments
If you find that Sildenafil does not meet your needs, alternative treatment options are available. It is advisable to have a discussion with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable approach for your condition.
Other treatment options for ED may contain different active ingredients while producing effects similar to those of Sildenafil. Alternative medications and treatments include:
- Cialis
- Tadalafil
- Spedra
- Vardenafil
- Vitaros ED cream
In certain situations, if the underlying cause of your ED is psychological, counseling may be beneficial. For cases stemming from physical injury or underlying health concerns, targeted treatment or lifestyle changes such as weight management and increased physical activity may yield positive results.
To delve deeper into the details surrounding Sildenafil, explore our online clinic.
Conclusion
Sildenafil is available in three different dosages: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Taken approximately 60 minutes prior to sexual activity, it assists men encountering erectile dysfunction in achieving and maintaining an erection. Your ideal dosage will depend on a variety of factors. Initiate your online consultation today, and our clinicians will ensure it is safe for you to proceed with treatment.
References
www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/30907