Sildenafil Dosage Guide
Reviewed by Dr Bhavini Shah
Sildenafil is a well-known and widely used erectile dysfunction (ED) medication designed for men who experience difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection without assistance. This medication serves as the generic equivalent of Viagra, meaning it contains the same active ingredient, sildenafil citrate, and operates through identical mechanisms to facilitate erections.
This treatment option is available in three distinct strengths: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. If you are contemplating the use of Sildenafil but are uncertain about which dosage would be the best fit for your individual needs, continue reading for valuable insights.
Sildenafil dosage guide
Getting treatment for erectile dysfunction
Experiencing difficulty in obtaining or sustaining an erection can significantly affect a man's quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional if you encounter such issues. Erectile dysfunction may indicate underlying health concerns that require attention.
Dr Neel Patel articulates that “if you continue to face ED and it is impacting your confidence, self-esteem, or sexual experiences, seeking medical consultation could be beneficial. While infrequent, erectile dysfunction can emerge as a consequence of severe health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.”
Upon evaluation, if your healthcare provider determines that intervention is suitable, they might prescribe a medication such as Sildenafil, accompanied by recommendations for lifestyle adjustments. The most frequently prescribed doses of Sildenafil are 50mg and 100mg.
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Available Sildenafil doses
Sildenafil is available in three distinct doses: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. A higher dose correlates with stronger effects, but it also increases the likelihood of experiencing side effects. Your healthcare professional will determine the most appropriate and safe dosage tailored to your needs.
The dosage options are as follows:
| 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 maximum recommended dose of Sildenafil is 100mg. Given that this is the highest available dosage, never exceed one tablet within a 24-hour period.
“Your healthcare practitioner may prescribe a lower or higher dosage, reflecting your health status and the efficacy of Sildenafil in your case. Adhering to dosing guidelines is crucial.” - Dr Bhavini Shah
What dose of Sildenafil should I take?
The most commonly suggested starting dose is 50mg. This particular strength is frequently recommended due to its overall effectiveness observed in the majority of men. Your unique prescription may vary based on factors including age, medical history, current medications, renal function, and body mass index (BMI). Your doctor will customize the optimal dosage specifically for you.
Taking Sildenafil 25mg
In certain instances, you may be advised to commence with a lower 25mg dosage of Sildenafil. This recommendation may arise if you have a higher propensity for side effects or pre-existing health conditions, making it prudent to start with the 25mg option. While lower doses may still lead to side effects, they are typically less severe.
Guidelines for taking Sildenafil 25mg
- Administer one tablet approximately 60 minutes prior to engaging in sexual activity.
- Ensure sexual arousal for Sildenafil to elicit its intended effects.
- Refrain from taking more than one tablet within a single day.
If Sildenafil 25mg didn’t work for me, what should I do?
Should the 25mg dosage fail to produce expected results, it is essential to first verify that you are adequately sexually stimulated, as Sildenafil requires arousal to function effectively. Also, avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
In case Sildenafil 25mg does not yield the desired outcome, consider the following:
- Attempt to use Sildenafil 25mg once more. Medical professionals generally advise trying erectile dysfunction medications around eight times prior to altering treatment or increasing the dosage.
- Consult your physician regarding the possibility of increasing the dosage or message us through your Patient Record.
- Consider exploring alternative medications that include different active ingredients. Discuss potential options with your healthcare provider.
Taking Sildenafil 50mg
The most frequently prescribed dosage of Sildenafil is 50mg. For men using this medication for the first time to address erectile dysfunction, it’s quite likely you will receive this dosage.
Guidelines for utilizing Sildenafil 50mg include:
- Limit to one tablet per administration.
- Take the tablet one hour before engaging in sexual activity.
- Avoid consuming a heavy meal before ingestion.
- Limit alcohol intake to one or two units at most before use.
- Never take more than one tablet within a 24-hour timeframe.
If Sildenafil 50mg didn’t work for me, what should I do?
In clinical studies, Sildenafil 50mg demonstrated efficacy in approximately 74% of men with erectile dysfunction. Therefore, it’s likely that this treatment will produce positive results for you.
If you find that Sildenafil 50mg does not yield results after your first attempt, you might consider these steps:
- Try taking Sildenafil on seven additional occasions, adhering strictly to the recommended guidelines (medical professionals recommend attempting ED tablets eight times before considering a dosage increase or treatment switch).
- If unsuccessful, engage in discussion with your prescribing doctor about transitioning to Sildenafil 100mg. If you ordered through us, use the messaging option in your Patient Record.
- Think about exploring alternative ED medications such as Cialis.
Never adjust the dosage of your Sildenafil without consulting your physician.
Taking Sildenafil 100mg
Your healthcare provider may have initially prescribed you Sildenafil 100mg. While it’s more typical to start at the 50mg dosage before progressing to 100mg if needed, your doctor might identified that the higher dosage was appropriate for your condition.
Sildenafil 100mg should be consumed similarly to the lower dosages: one hour prior to sexual activity and on a relatively empty stomach. The clinical distinction between Sildenafil 100mg and 50mg is subtle; however, trials indicated that the higher dose was effective in around 82% of cases, as opposed to the 74% effectiveness observed with the lower dosage.
The duration of effects from Sildenafil 100mg does not exceed those from the 50mg dosage; however, the intensity of the effects is generally stronger. Consequently, the potential for side effects is also heightened.
Common side effects associated with Sildenafil include:
- Headache
- Facial flushing
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Stuffy nose
While not everyone will experience these side effects, their likelihood increases with the use of Sildenafil 100mg.
If Sildenafil 100mg didn’t work for me, what should I do?
If Sildenafil 100mg fails to deliver the desired results, it's advisable to consult with your prescribing healthcare provider. They will likely recommend that you attempt the medication a few additional times before considering alternative options.
Given that 100mg is the highest prescribed dosage, you must never double up on tablets or consume more than one within 24 hours. Sildenafil 100mg represents the safest apex of dosing; if it proves ineffective, you will need to explore other treatment avenues.
How long does Sildenafil last?
When effective, the action of Sildenafil 50mg should last between 4 to 6 hours. Throughout this time, you should be able to achieve an erection upon sexual arousal.
The dosage you are taking does not influence the duration of its effects, and the treatment will not determine how long you last during intimate moments.
Keep in mind that Sildenafil, like all other ED tablets, necessitates sexual arousal to function effectively; it does not serve as an 'aphrodisiac' by itself.
Alternative erectile dysfunction treatments
If Sildenafil is ineffective for you, several alternative treatments can be explored. It’s essential to have a candid conversation with your healthcare provider about the best options for your situation.
Alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction may utilize different active ingredients while achieving effects akin to Sildenafil. Other options may include:
- Cialis
- Tadalafil
- Spedra
- Vardenafil
- Vitaros ED cream
In certain instances, if the underlying cause of your ED is psychological in nature, therapy or counseling may be advantageous. Conversely, ED stemming from physical injury or an existing medical condition may improve with targeted therapeutic approaches, behavioral modifications, or lifestyle changes such as weight management and physical activity.
To obtain comprehensive information regarding Sildenafil, explore our online clinic.
Conclusion
Sildenafil is provided in three dosage options: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. When taken approximately 60 minutes prior to sexual activity, it aids men experiencing erectile dysfunction in attaining and sustaining an erection. Determining the right dosage for you will depend on various factors. Begin your online consultation today, and our clinicians will guide you through ensuring safe usage.
References
www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/30907