Sildenafil 100mg or 50mg?

One of the most popular treatments for erectile dysfunction is Sildenafil Citrate, the active drug that is found in Viagra, and which is now available in a range of non-branded forms.

Sildenafil is available in three different strengths for the treatment of erectile dysfunction:

• Sildenafil 25mg – Lower dose
• Sildenafil 50mg – Normal dose
• Sildenafil 100mg – Higher dose

Viagra 50mg or 100mg doses are the most commonly used.

Important - Your prescriber must always assess your medical history and symptoms before recommending the dosage that they believe to be best for you.

When taking any kind of medication for the first time, it is key to monitor how your body will react to a particular drug, medical professionals will usually lean on the side of caution, prescribing a lower dose as they could be sufficient for an individual’s case.

What You Should Know About Sildenafil

The enzyme PDE5 regulates blood flow to various tissues in the body, including the penis. When active, PDE5 narrows the blood vessels to the penis, restricting blood flow and making it more difficult to get an erection. 

Sildenafil citrate is a PDE5 inhibitor, which means it blocks the enzyme PDE5 and prevents it from narrowing those vessels. Sildenafil 50mg and 100mg contain exactly the same active ingredient, but 100mg is stronger than the 50mg.

Getting the Right Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

The dosage recommended to you will depend on a few factors, including your age and other health implications, but usually, your prescriber will recommend that you start off with a dose of 50mg of Sildenafil which is also quoted and the usual dosage by the NHS. 

If there are significant side effects but the drug worked, they may recommend that you try 25mg. If you have no side effects and the drug doesn’t work, it may be suggested that you try the higher dose of 100mg.

When it comes to choosing between Sildenafil 50mg or Sildenafil 100mg, price shouldn’t be the deciding factor but rather the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. The price of the treatment can vary between brands more than it does between dose sizes.

Should I Choose Sildenafil 50mg or Viagra 50mg?

The active ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil, so whether you take the branded or unbranded version, the effect will be the same. Because the Sildenafil 50mg price is considerably lower than that of Viagra, most NHS prescriptions are for the non-branded version. The main reason for people to choose Viagra over generic pills is using a well-known brand, but in truth, there is no difference medically.

How Long Does It Take for Sildenafil 50mg to Take Effect?

Sildenafil takes around 30 minutes to one hour to take effect, although it can take up to two hours. The effects of sildenafil last for up to four hours on average, although some people say it can last for five or even six. While all sildenafil doses take the same time to work, it can take longer for higher doses to reach full impact than the lower ones. 

The length of time the drug takes to work also depends on other factors, such as whether you have eaten or drunk alcohol beforehand. In general, it is advised that you take the sildenafil around an hour before you hope to have sex.  

Sildenafil 50mg Didn’t Work for Me. What Should I Do?

While Sildenafil 50mg works for most men, it is not effective for everyone. If you are taking sildenafil 50mg for the first time and it doesn’t work, it is recommended that you try it a few more times before talking to your doctor about an increased dosage or different treatment.

If the drug is still unsuccessful, get in touch with your prescriber, who may prescribe a stronger dose. If you try the drug and it is successful, but you experience side effects, such as headache, nausea or dizziness, a lower dosage may be recommended.

Sildenafil 100mg Didn’t Work for Me. What Should I Do?

100mg is the highest dosage of Sildenafil, so if it is not effective in the first instance, your medical adviser will probably recommend that you try it a few more times before trialling a different drug with a different active ingredient, such as Cialis (Tadalafil).

Can I take two 50mg Viagra?

If you can get 100mg sildenafil prescribed, then it makes a certain kind of sense that you can just double up your dose and take two 50mg Viagra.

However, this is not the case. Your prescriber will recommend a dosage that is considered to be safe, having taken note of your medical history. It is not, therefore, safe to take two Viagra Connect tablets, which can be bought without a prescription, or without medical advice.

If you have tried 50mg Sildenafil and it doesn’t work, speak to your doctor or prescribing pharmacist about increasing your dosage safely.

What Is the Maximum Dose of Viagra

The maximum dose of Viagra is 100mg. This will only usually be prescribed for people who have minimal risk factors for taking sildenafil, and for whom a lower dosage is not effective.

At Oxford Online Pharmacy our prescribers take detailed histories to ensure that they prescribe the correct drug, at the correct dosage, for each customer.

If you would like to know more about how you can get erectile dysfunction medication delivered discreetly to your door, get in touch.

References
NHS - About sildenafil (Viagra)
Sildenafil, NICE/British National Formulary