Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. Erectile dysfunction, also known as male impotence, is a type of sexual dysfunction associated with an inability to get or keep an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse.

If your doctor has recommended Viagra to treat erectile dysfunction, you might have questions about Viagra dosages. This article will talk about the appropriate Viagra dose and the risks of taking a higher dosage of Viagra than prescribed.

What is Viagra? How does it work?

Viagra is the brand name of sildenafil citrate. Both Viagra and sildenafil citrate are prescription medicines available in the form of an oral tablet. Viagra is a round, diamond-shaped, blue tablet, that’s why it is often referred to as the “little blue pill.”

Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) is a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor. Besides erectile dysfunction, sildenafil is also marketed under another brand name, Revatio, which is approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs).

When PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra are used to treat erectile dysfunction, these medications work by widening the blood vessels, thus, increasing blood flow into the penis. An erection is achieved by that mechanism. Notably, the effects of Viagra only occur in the presence of sexual stimulation.

Viagra is not a contraceptive and does not prevent pregnancy. This medication does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Sildenafil citrate (generic Viagra) can be significantly cheaper than the brand name version. However, a free BuzzRx discount coupon can help you get brand name Viagra at a fraction of the retail price.

What is the usual Viagra dosage for erectile dysfunction?

Viagra is available in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets to treat erectile dysfunction. Typical dosages are 25 mg and 50 mg as needed 1 hour before sex.

What is the maximum dose of Viagra?

The maximum dosage of Viagra is 100 mg once per day. You should not take more than one dose of Viagra in a day.

The usual starting dose of Viagra is 50 mg taken when needed 1 hour before sexual activity. Based on your response and tolerance to the starting dose of Viagra 50 mg, your doctor might increase the Viagra dose to 100 mg.

Keep in mind that doctors usually prescribe the lowest dose that achieves the desired effect. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of Viagra 25 mg for you.

How will my doctor decide the correct dose of Viagra for me?

Your Viagra dosage will depend on various factors, such as your age, the severity of your erectile dysfunction, how well you respond to the starting dose of Viagra, your medical history, and your other medications.

If Viagra is deemed safe for you, your Viagra dose will be adjusted based on response, i.e., whether your erectile dysfunction improved, and tolerance, i.e., if you had any side effects.

Always follow professional medical advice from a licensed healthcare professional for the safest and most effective Viagra dosage.

Can I use Viagra long-term?

Your healthcare professional will obtain a medical history before prescribing Viagra to you. If the medication is deemed to be safe and effective, you can continue taking it as needed to treat erectile dysfunction under the supervision of your doctor.

Remember that Viagra is not for daily use. If you would like to take a daily medication for ED, talk to your doctor about other options for ED medication called Cialis (tadalafil). There are also other alternatives such as pumps and implants.

Is a lower dosage of Viagra indicated for certain patients?

Yes, dosage adjustments may be necessary for some men. This includes men over 65 years of age and those with certain medical conditions like liver or kidney problems.

Also, men taking certain medications called alpha-blockers may need to take a lower dose of Viagra. Alpha-blockers are used to lower blood pressure and treat prostate disease (e.g., tamsulosin (Flomax), prazosin (Minipress), and doxazosin (Cardura)). Concurrent use of Viagra and these medications can lower blood pressure leading to falls, injuries, and other complications. Men taking an HIV drug called ritonavir (Norvir) may also need to take a lower dose of Viagra.

One important drug class to keep in mind is the nitrates; a few examples of nitrates are nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, and dinitrate. Combining nitrates and sildenafil can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure, leading to loss of consciousness and even cardiovascular collapse.

Does body weight affect Viagra dosage?

No, the dose of Viagra does not depend on a person’s body weight. The dosage of Viagra depends on a person’s age, their kidney and liver function, and the improvement of their erectile dysfunction. Doctors typically start with the lowest dose that is effective in treating erectile dysfunction.

Does age affect Viagra dosage?

Yes, age is something doctors keep in mind when deciding on the appropriate sildenafil dosage. Older people are generally prescribed Viagra at a lower dose because of their reduced kidney and liver function. As a result, drug metabolism slows down with age; therefore, Viagra stays in their system longer. This can increase the risk of adverse effects.

For this reason, a person who is 65 years of age or older may be started on a lower Viagra dose, typically 25 mg. In contrast, a young man with no significant health conditions is usually prescribed Viagra 50 mg as a starting dose.

What are the side effects of Viagra?

Common adverse effects of Viagra include:

Headache
Heartburn
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Flushing
Nosebleeds
Sleep problems
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
Muscle pain
Changes in color vision
Sensitivity to light

What happens if you take more Viagra than prescribed?

Taking Viagra at higher doses can increase the risk of severe adverse effects, such as:

You should never take a higher dose of Viagra or more Viagra tablets than prescribed by your healthcare provider. If the doctor prescribes a 50 mg Viagra dose and it does not work, don’t increase the dose without talking to your doctor first. Let the doctor determine if you need a higher dose and whether it will be safe for you.

The maximum recommended dosage is Viagra 100 mg once in 24 hours.

What to do if I’ve taken too much Viagra?

If you have taken too much Viagra, call your doctor without delay. You can also call the National Poison Control Centers at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you experience chest pain, chest tightness, or other severe adverse effects.

How should I take Viagra?

Take Viagra exactly as prescribed by your doctor for ED treatment. Read the drug information contained in the package from the drug manufacturer. If you don’t understand the instruction on how to take Viagra, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.

Viagra is to be taken by mouth about 1 hour before planned sexual activity. However, the dose of Viagra can be taken anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours before anticipated sexual intercourse.

You can take Viagra either with or without food. However, it may take longer for this medication to work if you take it with fatty foods.

What if I forget to take Viagra before sex?

Remember, Viagra works to treat ED only in the presence of sexual stimulation. You should take this medication 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity. You don’t need to take it every day.

If you forget to take a Viagra tablet before sex, take it as soon as you remember. It will take Viagra at least 30 minutes to work. The effects typically last less than 4 hours.

References:

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