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Home / Erectile Dysfunction / Viagra Dosage Guide: Finding Your Dose

Viagra Dosage Guide: Finding Your Dose

Everything you need to know about choosing the right Viagra strength for safe and effective ED treatment

Key takeaways

  • Viagra tablets should be taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.
  • 50 mg Viagra is the recommended starting dose for most men.
  • 25 mg Viagra should be prescribed if you are over 65 years of age or have a heart condition.
  • 100 mg Viagra can be prescribed to men under 65 if lower doses haven’t worked.
  • Factors like age, heart health, and diet can make Viagra less effective or increase the risk of side effects.

What is Viagra?

Viagra is one of the most widely prescribed medications for erectile dysfunction (ED), helping millions of men worldwide achieve and maintain erections during sex. The medication contains sildenafil citrate, which works by increasing blood flow to the penis when you're sexually aroused.

Viagra has been found in clinical trials to be a highly effective ED medication, with up to 84% of men taking Viagra reporting improved erections. However, choosing the right dose is crucial for both safety and effectiveness.

Viagra is one of the most widely studied and effective treatments for erectile dysfunction. I recommend it to most patients because of its well-established safety profile and consistent results.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor
Which dose of Viagra should I take?
A complete guide to choosing the right dosage for safe and effective treatment

When ordering treatment for erectile dysfunction, it's important you get the dose that's safe for you. Here's a breakdown of the available Viagra dosages and who they are best suited for.

Quick dosage summary

25 mg

Lowest dose for older men or those with health concerns

50 mg

Standard starting dose for most men

100 mg

Maximum dose for healthy men under 65

25 mg: For older men or those with health concerns

The safest starting dose for specific groups

25 mg is the lowest dose of Viagra available and is specifically recommended for men with certain health considerations.

Who should consider 25 mg:

  • Men over the age of 65
  • Those with liver or kidney problems
  • Men taking certain medications (HIV treatments, alpha blockers)
  • Anyone who experiences side effects with higher doses

Important medication interaction note

Always disclose any other medicines you take to your doctor before starting treatment with Viagra.

50 mg: Standard dose for most users

The recommended starting point for most men

Viagra 50 mg is the standard dose and works effectively for most men, whether you're new to sildenafil or have used it before.

Why 50 mg is the standard choice:

  • Balances effectiveness with lower risk of side effects
  • Suitable for most men regardless of previous experience
  • Easy to adjust up or down based on your response
  • Most commonly prescribed initial dose

100 mg: For men needing stronger treatment

Maximum dose when lower doses haven't worked

100 mg is the highest dose of Viagra available. It's prescribed only for otherwise healthy men under 65 years of age when lower doses haven't been effective.

When 100 mg may be prescribed:

  • Healthy men under 65 years of age
  • When 25 mg or 50 mg doses haven't provided adequate results
  • After careful evaluation by a healthcare provider

Increased risk of side effects

This dose increases the risk of experiencing side effects. The most common side effects are:

  • Headaches
  • Feeling sick (nausea)
  • Indigestion
  • Dizziness

*This does not list all side effects. Consult your healthcare provider for complete information.

Maximum dose of Viagra for men

The maximum dose of Viagra in 24 hours is one tablet, whether it's 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg.

This makes the maximum daily dosage 100 mg, but only take that amount if prescribed. Never exceed 100 mg in a 24-hour period under any circumstances.

Adjusting your dose

Most men start with 50 mg, but this dose can be changed. All dose changes must be made with a doctor’s approval.

If you experience side effects from Viagra or it isn’t working properly, speak with your doctor about changing your dose. They can review your information and decide whether or not a dose adjustment is safe and effective for you.

Viagra dosing must be tailored for safety. Men over 65, those with liver or kidney issues, or those taking certain medications should begin with a lower dose to minimise the risk of side effects like low blood pressure.

Dr. Caroline Fontana Lead Prescribing Doctor

Health factors that may impact your Viagra dosage

There are many factors that can influence your suitability for treatment:

Viagra suitability factors

Important considerations for safe and effective use

age-factor

Age

heart-health-factor

Heart health

smoking-factor-img

Smoking

medication-factor

Medications

diet

Diet

medical history

Medical history

blood pressure

Blood pressure

Factors like age, heart health, and diet can make Viagra less effective or increase the risk of side effects. A consultation with a registered healthcare provider is necessary to ensure safe and effective treatment.

When taking Viagra, stick to light, low-fat meals to help it work faster, as high-fat foods can delay the effects of Viagra. Also avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can interfere with how the drug is absorbed.

Silvia Fonda Nutritionist

Viagra usage guide

Taking Viagra correctly is key to achieving the best results. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth experience and get the most out of treatment.

How to take Viagra

To take Viagra correctly, follow these instructions:

Before sexual activity

Take one tablet 30-60 minutes before sexual activity.

Tablet with a glass of water

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.

Take viagra with or without food

You can take it with or without food. However, avoid high-fat meals as Viagra may take longer to start working.

You must be sexually aroused for Viagra to work.

Timing your dose

Viagra offers convenience and flexibility for men treating erectile dysfunction. Here’s what you need to know about timing your dose:

  • Take as needed – No daily dosing required. Simply take one tablet 30-60 minutes before you plan to have sex.
  • Requires sexual stimulation – It won’t cause an erection on its own. Sexual stimulation is still needed.
  • Fast onset – Most men begin to feel the effects within 30 minutes, and it lasts for up to 4 hours.
  • Seek help if it lasts longer – If effects continue beyond 4 hours, consult your doctor.

What if my dosage of Viagra doesn’t work for me?

If your dosage of Viagra is ineffective, you may benefit from trying a different dose or a different erectile dysfunction treatment entirely. Other than Viagra, the most widely used ED medication is Cialis (Tadalafil).

Viagra vs Cialis: dosage comparison

Choosing the right dose of Viagra or Cialis depends on your needs, lifestyle, and how your body responds to treatment. The table below compares the available doses of both medications to help you decide which option might work best for you to treat ED.

Viagra vs Cialis
Active ingredient Dose Who it’s for Unique benefits
Viagra
Sildenafil 25 mg Men needing a mild dose for occasional use Lower starting dose with fewer side effects
50 mg Most men with no underlying conditions Balanced effectiveness and tolerability
100 mg Men with severe ED or failure with lower doses Strongest effect, best for more challenging cases
Cialis
Tadalafil 2.5 mg Men wanting daily low-dose treatment Continuous effect, suitable for daily use
5 mg Men wanting daily treatment or a low-dose option for occasional ED Long-term symptom control, daily readiness
10 mg Most men with no underlying conditions Fast onset, lasts up to 36 hours
20 mg Men with severe ED or failure with lower doses Maximum effect, long duration

How can I buy Viagra online?

Once you’ve decided on the right dose for you, ordering Viagra is simple. Just follow these steps:

  • Complete a quick online consultation to check your eligibility.
  • UK-registered doctors review your responses to ensure the medication is right for you.
  • Upon approval, an e-prescription will be issued.
  • Enjoy free delivery from our licensed pharmacy with tracking details.

Why should I choose euroClinix?

euroClinix is trusted by thousands of users in the UK for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:

  • Experienced doctors manage your consultations and prescriptions.
  • Online consultations, quick approvals, and discreet doorstep delivery add to the convenience.
  • A supportive team is on hand to answer treatment-related questions or concerns.
  • Patients can manage their prescriptions hassle-free through our secure platform.

Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.

Frequently asked questions

Can I split a 100 mg Viagra tablet in half?
Can you double dose Viagra?
Can I take 50 mg Viagra twice a day?
Can you take Viagra every day?
Do higher doses of Viagra last longer?
Do higher doses of Viagra work better?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Caroline Fontana Written by our editorial team Last reviewed 01-08-2025

Further reading

Can you buy Viagra online without a prescription?

Can you buy Viagra online without a prescription?

Reviewed by Dr. Caroline Fontana
10 Effective Foods to Help with Erectile Dysfunction

10 Effective Foods to Help with Erectile Dysfunction

Reviewed by Dr. Caroline Fontana
Viagra and how it reacts with other medicines

Viagra and how it reacts with other medicines

Reviewed by Dr. Caroline Fontana
Viagra: the side effects explained

Viagra: the side effects explained

Reviewed by Dr. Caroline Fontana
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