Viagra is one of the most well known prescription drugs used to treat erectile dysfunction, used for over 20 years to help men improve their erections.

It’s important to take the right Viagra dosage for you to make sure you get the best results from it. Let’s explore the difference between Viagra doses, what the recommended starting dose is and how to take Viagra correctly.

How does Viagra work?

All Viagra doses work in the same way. They all contain the active ingredient sildenafil citrate, which is a type of drug called a PDE5 inhibitor. Sildenafil helps relax the blood vessels at the base of your penis, improving blood flow and helping you get harder erections when you’re aroused.

Viagra doses

Viagra comes in three doses: 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. All three are equally effective, but the results get stronger with each dose.

Viagra 25 mg

This is the lowest dose of Viagra available. If you take other prescription medications, you may start with this dosage to avoid drug interactions. You might also find this Viagra dosage has minimal side effects, or none at all. Viagra 25 mg lasts as long as the higher dosage options – four hours after you take it, on average – although the effects can be a little less noticeable.

If this dose doesn’t have the effect you want, speak to your clinical team about whether it’s safe for you to take a higher strength instead.

Viagra 50 mg

This is the usual starting dose for men treating erectile dysfunction. If you find this seems too strong or too weak, your clinical team could recommend either increasing or decreasing your dose. Studies have shown that a 50 mg Viagra dosage is effective in almost three-quarters of men, so it’s likely you’ll benefit from this treatment.

If you find that Viagra 50 mg doesn’t work for you the first time you take it, there are a few things you can do. For example:

• Try it on four separate occasions, taking it exactly as recommended.
• If this doesn’t work, speak to your clinician about switching to 100 mg.
• If 100mg doesn’t work, our expert clinicians will recommend a different erectile dysfunction drug, such as Cialis.

Viagra 100 mg

It’s important that you have no other health conditions if you want to take Viagra 100 mg, as it’s the most potent dose available. You should take it in exactly the same way as lower doses – 30 to 60 minutes before sex and on an empty stomach. If you have to take it close to eating, make sure you avoid high-fat meals. Never take more than one tablet at a time or take more than one in a 24-hour period.

While the effects don’t last longer than the 50 mg dosage, they tend to be stronger. However, side effects are also more likely when taking a larger dose.

If you don’t have the desired effect after taking 100 mg, you should consult your doctor to explore other options.

How much Viagra should I take the first time?

Here’s how to find the right Viagra dose for you:

• The recommended starting dose is 50 mg, taken about an hour before sexual activity.
• If 50 mg works for you, but you’re experiencing side effects, your clinical team may put you on a lower dose of 25mg or advise you stop taking Viagra completely and recommend an alternative ED treatment.
• 100 mg is the maximum Viagra dosage, prescribed when you don’t get the desired results with 25 mg or 50 mg doses.

How long does Viagra take to work?

Your body absorbs Viagra quickly, so it usually works within 30 to 60 minutes. We recommend you take Viagra around an hour before sex, without food. If you take Viagra with a heavy meal, it absorbs more slowly, so it takes longer to work.

Viagra side effects

The most common side effects of Viagra include:

• Headaches
• Flushing
• Indigestion
• Dizziness
• Nausea

All of these are mild side effects, and symptoms shouldn’t last more than a few hours. If you experience more adverse effects, like blurred vision, chest pains, sudden changes in blood pressure or an allergic reaction, seek urgent medical attention.

Before taking Viagra it’s important to ensure you’ve discussed your full medical history with your clinical team. Other prescription drugs can interfere with Viagra, so keep your doctor informed if you’re planning to take Viagra.

Can you take half a Viagra pill?

Yes, you can split your Viagra tablets. Halving a pill doesn’t affect its efficacy as the active drug sildenafil is distributed evenly throughout. If your prescribed dose is 50 mg or 100 mg, and you want to try reducing it, consult our expert medical team first.

You should use a pill cutter to safely halve your tablet. Store the half pills in a safe place, ideally in the original container or packaging to protect them from light and moisture, which could potentially affect the medication’s stability.

Can I take Viagra with other erectile dysfunction drugs?

You should never take different ED medications together. If you do, you could cause a drug interaction and be at risk of severe side effects.

If Viagra doesn’t work for you, you may need to try a different erectile dysfunction medication. Some lifestyle changes, like reducing alcohol intake and not smoking, can also help. If you have mental health concerns, you should speak to your GP for support or counselling.

Find out what treatment is suitable for you on our website.