People take Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). As a result, many men have questions about how many doses of Viagra® they should take and if re-dosing is necessary. The key fact you need to know about Viagra® is that each dose is only effective for 4 to 5 hours. This is why you need to take it more frequently than once per day to maintain a good level of effectivity.
Dosing For Erectile Dysfunction
Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) is FDA approved to treat ED in men. The standard dose is 20 mg. However, doctors may prescribe different doses, depending on the patient. One of the reasons they may do this is if the patient has low blood pressure or if they are taking other medications that may interact with Viagra®.
In general, Viagra® is not recommended for use in patients with certain health conditions. These include but are not limited to:
- heart disease
- stroke
- angina
- high blood pressure
- kidney disease
- anemia
In these cases, alternative forms of ED treatment may be considered. These include but are not limited to:
- triglycerides
- insulin
- phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors
- injection therapy
- pelvic prosthesis
Dose For Initial Treatment Of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Viagra® (sildenafil citrate) is often the first type of medication used to treat ED. This is because it is a relatively simple drug to administer and has a quick onset of action. As a result, men may be able to get sexual activity back quickly. However, since each dose only provides temporary relief, patients may need to consistently re-dose.
When Should You Re-dose?
The only time you should consider re-dosing with Viagra® is if you experience an onset of symptoms shortly after you take the medication. This is because the medication starts working only after being administered and, therefore, you may not receive the full benefits of the drug. Men with ED should take their medication as soon as possible in the morning to get the best results.
Side Effects Of Viagra®
While Viagra® is generally safe and effective, it has some significant side effects that patients should be aware of. The most common side effect is headache. Other side effects include:
- flushing
- dizziness
- nausea
- nasal congestion
- photophobia
- skin rash
These are all relatively minor side effects and many patients report that they are able to deal with them. If you experience any severe side effects, you should discontinue use of the drug and seek medical attention immediately.
Key Takeaway
Ultimately, there is no set answer to the question of how many doses of Viagra® men should take. It depends on a variety of factors, including the amount of ED they experience and how well they tolerate the side effects of the drug. However, the key fact about Viagra® is that it is only effective for 4 to 5 hours and, therefore, patients should take it more frequently than once per day to maintain a good level of effectivity. In addition, if you are prescribed higher doses, you should speak to your doctor about the possible side effects.
ED is a common problem in men and can significantly affect a person’s life. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help. Viagra® is one of the most common medications used to treat this condition. However, since it is not a cure and has significant side effects, it is important to understand how and when to take it. As a result, men with ED may be able to get back to enjoying sex more often than they had before they were diagnosed with the condition.