How often can you take Viagra? A guide for safe use and effectiveness

When it comes to using Viagra (sildenafil) safely and effectively, knowing the right timing and dosage is essential. Whether you’re new to using it or looking to maximise its effectiveness, understanding how often you can take Viagra will help you achieve the best results while minimising risks. This guide covers everything you need to know about safe use, ideal timing, and what to remember for the most satisfying experience. Read on to learn how often you can take Viagra or sildenafil to make the most of your erectile dysfunction treatment.

In this article, we will cover all things relating to Viagra and sildenafil dosing. We will also cover some basics about erectile dysfunction and Viagra. If you already know enough about a topic, you can use the handy navigational table below to skip to the relevant areas.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue, affecting about 40% of men by age 40 (Leslie et al., 2024). Despite how common it is, erectile dysfunction can impact confidence and relationships. Treatments like Viagra or its generic version, sildenafil, offer practical solutions. However, if you’re new to these options, you may have questions—especially about frequency of use.

How often can you take Viagra or sildenafil?

Viagra or sildenafil can generally be taken once a day, ideally following a 24-hour interval between doses (Healthline, 2023). Typically, the recommended dose ranges from 25 mg to 100 mg, depending on individual health factors and the desired outcome (Goldstein et al., 1998).

How does Viagra work?

Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, belongs to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase type five inhibitors or PDE5 inhibitors for short. These medications improve blood flow to the penis, helping to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual arousal (Hatzimouratidis et al., 2006). It’s important to note that these drugs require sexual stimulation to work—they do not cause an erection automatically.

Quick facts about Viagra

• Onset: Begins working within 30-60 minutes
• Duration: Effective for around four hours
• Frequency: No more than once every 24 hours

Is it safe to use sildenafil every day?

Yes, it is generally safe to take sildenafil daily if needed, as long as you stay within the prescribed daily maximum of 100 mg (Fusco et al., 2010).

Common dosages for Viagra

• Viagra 50 mg: Standard dose for most men.
• Viagra 100 mg: May be prescribed if 50 mg is insufficient.
• Viagra 25 mg: Often suited for men sensitive to higher doses.

What is the typical starting dose for Viagra?

Most people start with a 50 mg dose, which can be adjusted based on how well it works and any side effects experienced. It’s recommended to take sildenafil about an hour before you plan to have sex, and you shouldn’t take it more than once a day. For it to work, you’ll need to be sexually aroused, and you’ll have a time frame of 30 minutes to about five hours where it’s effective.

After taking sildenafil, the amount in your blood peaks around one hour later, and it stays effective for about 4–5 hours.

What should I do if I get side effects with the Viagra 50mg tablet?

As with all medicines, there are some side effects with Viagra, which include:

• Flushing (30.8%),
• headache (25. 4%),
• nasal congestion (18.7%), and
• heartburn (10.5%)

All these adverse events are short-lived and mild (Moreira et al., 2000). Remember, taking more than the recommended dose also increases the risk of side effects without enhancing effectiveness.

If you experience any of these side effects, you could try to decrease the dose to Viagra 25mg.

What should I do if I cannot get an erection with the Viagra 50mg tablet?

If you do not achieve an erection with the Viagra 50mg tablet, you can increase the dose to Viagra 100mg.

Does Viagra cause priapism?

While generally safe, sildenafil can cause side effects, including headaches, dizziness, flushing, and indigestion. Rarely, it may lead to priapism—a prolonged, painful erection requiring immediate medical attention. However, this is a rare event, with a research paper published in 2020 finding 411 cases of drug-induced priapism secondary to Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra reported to the Food and Drug Administration since 1998 (Rezaee et al., 2020). 

Taking more than the recommended dose also increases the risk of side effects without enhancing effectiveness.

What is priapism?

Priapism is when the penis stays erect for an extended period without sexual stimulation. Generally, if an erection lasts more than four hours, it’s considered priapism.

There are three main types: ischemic, non-ischemic, and recurrent ischemic. Ischemic priapism is an emergency that needs immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage to the penis and long-term erectile dysfunction. Immediate care aims to relieve the erection (detumescence) and restore normal blood flow.

Getting quick treatment is crucial to keep erectile function intact. If it’s not treated, there’s a risk of tissue damage and scarring in the penis, which can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction (Silberman et al., 2024).

Important Considerations before taking Viagra

• Avoid Mixing Medications: Do not combine sildenafil with other erectile dysfunction drugs like tadalafil (Cialis).
• Health Conditions: Consult a healthcare provider if you have heart disease, low blood pressure, or other chronic conditions.

Key takeaways for safe Viagra use

• Daily Use: Safe up to 100 mg daily, but no more than once every 24 hours.
• Effectiveness: Begins working in 30-60 minutes and lasts up to 4 hours.

With sildenafil, you can approach sexual activity more confidently. Stick to your prescribed dosage, avoid mixing medications, and consult your healthcare provider if questions arise.

Want to know more about Viagra and other erectile dysfunction treatments?

If you are curious to know more about sildenafil or Viagra, we have written several informative blog articles, including the following:

Understanding Viagra headaches: causes and solutions

Why does Viagra cause heartburn?

Can Viagra cause blood clots?

Can Viagra cause a stroke?

Does Viagra make you last longer?

Can I drink alcohol while taking sildenafil?

Can Viagra make you bigger?

How long does sildenafil last for?

Getting support for erectile dysfunction

Talking about erectile dysfunction (ED) shouldn’t be something to feel shy about—it’s often a sign of other health issues, like blood vessel problems, but it could also have psychological causes. No matter the reason, the team at Medical Mojo is here to support you. We can help guide you through the suitable treatment options, advise you on alternatives if traditional ED meds don’t work, and even help create a custom plan. The first step is reaching out, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions.

Why choose Medicalmojo.co.uk for sexual health support?

If you’re considering sildenafil or exploring other treatments for ED, it’s vital to choose an approach that suits you. Our healthcare questionnaires ensure that any treatment is safe for you, but we’re also here to provide extra guidance if needed.

Medicalmojo.co.uk offers confidential telehealth services for men dealing with sensitive issues like ED. Our expert team of pharmacists, doctors, and therapists provides personalised guidance to help you make well-informed choices about sildenafil and other treatment options.

Benefits of Choosing Medicalmojo.co.uk for erectile dysfunction treatments

• Private, judgment-free consultations from home
• Tailored recommendations based on your health profile
• Health screenings to confirm if sildenafil is right for you
• Ongoing support and follow-up during treatment
• Clear, realistic guidance on what sildenafil can offer
• Advice on lifestyle changes to enhance sexual health
• Commitment to evidence-based treatment and support

With Medicalmojo.co.uk, you’ll understand how sildenafil can help with ED and what to expect realistically. This empowers you to set achievable goals and make informed decisions about your health. For more details, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

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References:

1. Leslie, S.W. and Sooriyamoorthy, T., 2024. Erectile dysfunction. In StatPearls [internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
2. Healthline. (2023). How to Take Viagra Safely. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/how-to-take-viagra.
3. Goldstein, I., Lue, T. F., Padma-Nathan, H., Rosen, R. C., Steers, W. D., & Wicker, P. A. (1998). Oral sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The New England Journal of Medicine, 338
4. Hatzimouratidis, K., 2006. Sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: an overview of the clinical evidence. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 1(4), pp.403-414.
5. Fusco F, Razzoli E, Imbimbo C, Rossi A, Verze P, Mirone V. A new era in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: chronic phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibition. BJU Int. 2010 Jun;105(12):1634-9.
6. Moreira SG Jr, Brannigan RE, Spitz A, Orejuela FJ, Lipshultz LI, Kim ED. Side-effect profile of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in clinical practice. Urology. 2000 Sep 1;56(3):474-6.
7. Rezaee ME, Gross MS. Are We Overstating the Risk of Priapism With Oral Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors? J Sex Med. 2020 Aug;17(8):1579-1582. 
8. Silberman M, Stormont G, Leslie SW, et al. Priapism. [Updated 2023 May 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459178/