Regardless of your age, you’ll take your prescribed dose about an hour before sex. If the prescribed dosage of Viagra works well for you and doesn’t cause bothersome side effects, you’ll likely continue taking it. If a dosage works well but causes bothersome side weekend viagra effects, your doctor may suggest a lower dosage. If a dosage doesn’t work to help you get or maintain an erection, your doctor may increase your dosage.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Absorption Time | 30–120 minutes |
| Peak Plasma Level | About 2 hours |
| Elimination Half-life | 4–5 hours |
| Metabolism | Liver enzymes (CYP3A4) |
| Excretion | Feces (~80%), Urine (~20%) |
You should not take more Viagra than your doctor prescribes. The maximum recommended dosage of Viagra is 100 mg per day. Taking higher doses of Viagra can increase your chances of having severe side effects, such as: dangerously low blood pressure, which may increase your risk for heart attack or stroke priapism, a painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours and could lead to permanent damage to your penis if untreated The dosage of Viagra you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. the severity of your erectile dysfunction (ED) how well Viagra works for your ED other medications you take (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Viagra’s dosage?”) other conditions you have (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Viagra’s dosage?”) Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. You’ll take Viagra by mouth about 1 hour before sexual activity. You can take Viagra with or without food. But the drug may not work as quickly if you take it with foods containing a lot of fat, such as fried foods. In this case, Viagra could take up to an hour longer to start working. Viagra is a medication that you’ll only take when you need it, about 1 hour before sexual activity. You don’t have to take it regularly for it to be effective. If you forget to take Viagra an hour before sex, you can take it as soon as you remember. It starts working to improve erectile function as soon as 30 minutes after you take your dose. Its effects usually last about 4 hours.
| Population Group | Effectiveness Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Men aged 40–60 | 70–80% | Common age group effectiveness |
| Men over 60 | 60–70% | Slightly lower effectiveness |
| Men with diabetes | 50–65% | Variable depending on severity |
| Men without comorbidities | 80–90% | Highest success rate |
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Viagra before sex, try setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app. Or ask your partner to remind you to take your dose about an hour before sex. Do not use more Viagra than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
2.1 Dosage Information
They have nearly identical effects on ED as well as similar side effects. Because they are newer drugs, scientists are just beginning to study them for problems that don't involve sexuality. Sildenafil has already been licensed to treat men and women with pulmonary hypertension. Time will tell if any of these drugs will fill other potentials beyond promoting potency. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
(An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Viagra belongs to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. This article describes the dosage of Viagra, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Viagra, see this detailed overview of Viagra. This section covers common questions about the dosage of Viagra. You may have heard Viagra described as the “little blue pill.” Viagra comes as a tablet that you swallow.
What are the typical dosages of Viagra?
It’s a blue tablet that has a rounded diamond shape. Viagra is available in three strengths: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, and 100 mg. The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Viagra.
| Product | Dosage | Quantity + Bonus | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Viagra Generic | 25mg | 60 + 4 Pills | 71.99€ 68.56€ | |
| Viagra Original | 100mg | 34 + 2 Pills | 163.67€ 155.88€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 30 Pills | 88.92€ 84.69€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 20 Pills | 45.58€ 43.41€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 129.02€ 122.88€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 360 + 6 Pills | 527.09€ 501.99€ | |
| Viagra Super Active | 100mg | 90 + 10 Pills | 165.61€ 157.72€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 150mg | 90 + 6 Pills | 147.18€ 140.17€ | |
| Viagra Professional | 100mg | 10 Pills | 44.09€ 41.99€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 100mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 149.50€ 142.38€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 200mg | 10 Pills | 40.96€ 39.01€ | |
| Viagra Generic | 50mg | 120 + 6 Pills | 129.64€ 123.47€ | |
| Viagra Oral Jelly | 100mg | 90 + 8 Sachets | 258.02€ 245.73€ |
You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room. The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Viagra for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Remember, you should not change your dosage of Viagra without your doctor’s recommendation. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Here are some questions you may want to discuss with your doctor: How long should I give Viagra to work before my dosage should be increased? Should I take a lower dosage of Viagra because of my other medications?
What side effects can this medication cause?
If your current dosage isn’t working well for your ED, talk with your doctor about increasing your dosage. Yes, Viagra is typically used as needed for ED. If you and your doctor determine that Viagra is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it as long as you have ED. A lower dosage of Viagra is safer for some people. This is typically due to certain factors, such as having specific medical conditions.
Know the potential side effects of Viagra
taking a certain type of drug called an alpha-blocker that treats high blood pressure or prostate disease, such as tamsulosin (Flomax), doxazosin (Cardura), or prazosin (Minipress) If any of the above factors apply to you, talk with your doctor. They may lower your dosage to 25 mg of Viagra, instead of 50 mg. Note: Your doctor won’t prescribe Viagra if you’re taking a nitrate drug. Taking these drugs together can result in dangerously low blood pressure. Examples of nitrates include nitroglycerin (Nitromist, Nitro-Dur, Nitrolingual Pumpspray, Gonitro, others), isosorbide mononitrate (Monoket), and isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate SR, Isordil).
Does sildenafil interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
The typical starting dose of Viagra is 50 mg. But your doctor might prescribe a lower starting dosage of 25 mg, depending on several factors. Be sure to follow your doctor’s dosing instructions. For example, if you have liver or kidney problems, or if you’re taking certain other medications, your doctor might recommend starting with a 25 mg dosage. A 25-mg starting dosage may also be recommended if you’re 65 years or older. Would a higher dosage of Viagra increase my risk for side effects?
- Men should start with the lowest effective dose recommended by their doctor.
- It can take several weeks to notice full benefits of daily Viagra.
- Proper hydration and healthy lifestyle habits support treatment.
- Men should avoid high-fat meals around the time of taking Viagra.
- It is important to disclose all medications and health issues to your doctor.
- Viagra daily does not cause addiction but requires responsible use.
- Psychological factors may still influence the effectiveness.
- Combining Viagra with other lifestyle changes enhances overall results.
To learn more about Viagra, see these articles: Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date.
5. Viagra® comes in different doses.
In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below. The recommended dosage of Viagra for erectile dysfunction (ED) is 50 mg, taken as needed about 1 hour before sexual activity. You can take it 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity. And you shouldn’t take more than one dose per day. After you try the 50-mg dose, you can let your doctor know how your body responded.
What should I do if I accidentally use too much sildenafil?
This includes whether your erectile function improved or if you had any side effects. Depending on how Viagra worked, your doctor may suggest decreasing your dose to 25 mg or increasing it to 100 mg. Or they may have you continue taking the 50-mg dose. You’ll continue to take Viagra only as needed. The maximum dosage is once per day.
Avoiding Tadalafil and Sildenafil Together
That said, the drug isn’t meant for daily dosing. If you’re interested in a once-daily treatment for ED, such as tadalafil (Cialis), talk with your doctor. For most people, the maximum recommended dosage of Viagra is 100 mg once per day. This dosage may be too high for people who have certain medical conditions or take certain medications. So it’s important not to take more Viagra than your doctor prescribes for you. Sildenafil (Viagra) is used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence; inability to get or keep an erection) in men.
Does Viagra make you last longer?
See “Dosage adjustments” just above for details about when a lower dose might be prescribed. No, the dosage of Viagra isn’t based on a person’s weight. Instead, Viagra’s dosage is based on your age, how well your kidneys and liver are working, and how well the drug works for your erectile dysfunction. Yes, your age is a factor in what dosage of Viagra is right for you. As people get older, their heart, liver, and kidneys don’t work as well as they once did.
Dosage adjustments
This can cause an older adult’s body to break down drugs slower than a younger adult’s body. As a result, drugs stay longer in the body, which can raise the risk of side effects. If you’re 65 years or older, your doctor may start you on a lower dosage of Viagra. The typical starting dosage of Viagra for a 70-year-old would be 25 milligrams (mg). For a 30-year-old who has no other medical conditions, the typical starting dosage would be 50 mg. Sildenafil (Liqrev, Revatio) is used to improve the ability to exercise in adults (Liqrev, Revatio) and children 1 year of age and older (Revatio) with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; high blood pressure in the vessels carrying blood to the lungs, causing shortness of breath, dizziness, and tiredness). Sildenafil is in a class of medications called phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors. Sildenafil treats erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. This increased blood flow can cause an erection.
| Benefit | Description | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|
| Improved Erectile Function | Regular use may enhance bedroom performance | Moderate |
| Increased Confidence | More spontaneous intimacy supported | Anecdotal |
| Reduced Performance Anxiety | Consistent medication reduces stress | Moderate |
| Possible Heart Benefits | Some studies suggest vascular benefits | Limited |
Sildenafil treats PAH by relaxing the blood vessels in the lungs to allow blood to flow easily. If you are taking sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction, you should know that it does not cure erectile dysfunction or increase sexual desire. Sildenafil does not prevent pregnancy or the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Sildenafil comes as a tablet and suspension (liquid) to take by mouth. If you are taking sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction, follow your doctor's directions and the guidelines in this paragraph. Take sildenafil as needed before sexual activity. The best time to take sildenafil is about 1 hour before sexual activity, but you can take the medication any time from 4 hours to 30 minutes before sexual activity. Sildenafil usually should not be taken more than once every 24 hours. If you have certain health conditions or are taking certain medications, your doctor may tell you to take sildenafil less often. You can take sildenafil with or without food. However, if you take sildenafil with a high-fat meal, it will take longer for the medication to start to work. If you are taking sildenafil to treat PAH, you will probably take sildenafil three times a day with or without food.
- Viagra daily is often used by men with chronic erectile issues.
- It is not a cure but can enhance everyday sexual activity.
- Proper hydration can support the effectiveness of Viagra.
- Report any ongoing side effects to your healthcare provider.
- Store Viagra in a cool, dry place away from children.
- Combining Viagra with other ED medications is not recommended.
- The medication should be used as part of a broader health plan.
- Lifestyle changes can improve Viagra's effectiveness.