Can You Take Sildenafil Daily? A Guide to Viagra Use

Table of Contents

• What is Sildenafil?
• How Often Can You Take Sildenafil?
• The Risks and Side Effects of Taking Sildenafil Daily
• What Are The Side Effects of Sildenafil?
• Can You Take Viagra Daily?
• How to Determine If Daily ED Medication is Right For You
• Alternatives to Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Key Takeaways

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil, is the active ingredient in Viagra and is a common medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is part of an ED medication group called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

Sildenafil works in the body by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5). This enzyme regulates the production of a chemical called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) by breaking it down. cGMP helps to relax the smooth muscle and blood vessels in the penis. By inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, the levels of cGMP rise. As the blood vessels relax and widen, it improves blood flow to the penis and results in an erection. [1] 

Like Viagra, Sildenafil does not work solely to achieve and maintain an erection, sexual arousal or stimulation is necessary for the medication to be effective. The effects can last for up to 4 hours.

How Often Can You Take Sildenafil?

Sildenafil is available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg oral film-coated tablets. The recommended dosage for treating erectile dysfunction is one Sildenafil 50mg tablet to be taken as needed, about 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity. It should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. It is advised not to take more than one tablet of Sildenafil a day. [2] Taking more than one tablet will increase the risk of experiencing side effects.

The Risks and Side Effects of Taking Sildenafil Daily

Daily Viagra use can lead to a risk of developing side effects including painful or prolonged erections. Additionally, regular use of Sildenafil may lead to tolerance, meaning that the body may become less responsive to the medication over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.

What Are The Side Effects of Sildenafil?

Sildenafil may cause some side effects, although not everyone will experience them [3].

Common Side Effects (affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• Headaches (read about Viagra headaches for more information)
• Nausea
• Facial flushing
• Indigestion
• Nasal congestion
• Dizziness 
• Visual disturbances

Less Common Side Effects (affecting less than 1 in 100 people):

• Skin rash
• Eye irritation 
• Vomiting 
• Heart palpitations
• High or low blood pressure
• Muscle aches
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Drowsiness 
• Numbness or tingling of the hands, legs or feet

Rare Side Effects: (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people):

• Chest pain
• Painful erections
• Prolonged erections that last more than 4 hours, also known as priapism
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of mouth, lips or throat
• Sudden decrease or loss of vision
• Seizures

If you or someone you know shows a rare or serious side effect, stop the medication and seek medical attention immediately. It is possible that a person can have an allergic reaction to Sildenafil.

Can You Take Viagra Daily?

While Viagra is seen as a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in men, there are debates about whether or not Viagra can be taken daily. Some men may want to take Sildenafil to help with becoming sexually aroused and spontaneous sexual activity. However, Viagra is not intended to be taken daily. It is designed for occasional use or as needed before engaging in sexual activity.

In a 2007 study on the use of Viagra as needed in men with erectile dysfunction, less than 1% of the 979 male participants discontinued the treatment each year due to side effects. Only 11 individuals stopped taking it over the 4-year period. [4]

Technically, you can take Viagra daily once you are under the guidance or supervision of a healthcare provider. There are a few reasons why taking Viagra daily may not be advisable however. The long-term effects of regular Viagra use have not been widely studied and there is limited research on the safety and efficacy of taking Viagra every day over an extended period of time.

How to Determine If Daily ED Medication is Right For You

When thinking about taking daily ED medication, it's important to seek medical advice to figure out which option is the safest and will work best for you. During a consultation, a healthcare provider will discuss your medical history, age, lifestyle factors and current symptoms.

Think about asking yourself these questions:

How Often Do You Have Sex?

If you typically engage in sexual activity once or twice a week, taking Viagra can help men with erectile dysfunction. However, for those who have more frequent sexual encounters — several times a week or daily — Viagra might not be the most suitable choice.

In such scenarios, it's advisable to consider discussing Cialis (tadalafil) with your healthcare provider. Unlike Viagra (sildenafil), which is effective for a shorter duration, Cialis can be used daily and remains effective for up to 36 hours.

Cialis may be an appropriate alternative if it aligns with your specific health needs, as determined by your healthcare provider. Ultimately, when deciding between Cialis and Viagra, it's important to consider both your own needs and those of your partner or partners regarding the intended use of the medication.

Have You Experienced Side Effects From Other ED Medications?

If you encounter side effects like headaches, facial flushing, or congestion when using Viagra, switching to a lower-dose, daily option may help reduce these symptoms, as they often correlate with dosage levels.

Some individuals may discover that Cialis is more effective for them, or they may need a completely different medication to manage erectile dysfunction. It's important to discuss any adverse reactions with your healthcare provider openly. This dialogue helps tailor your treatment plan to decrease side effects and increase effectiveness.

Do You Have Pre-Existing Conditions?

Medications like Cialis and Viagra, which are used for addressing erectile dysfunction, might not be appropriate for everyone. It's important to explore alternative treatments if you belong to any of the categories below:

• You are prescribed nitrates due to heart conditions.
• You take specific medications such as Riociguat or Revatio for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
• You use alpha-blockers like tamsulosin or prazosin for managing high blood pressure or an enlarged prostate. In such cases, a lower strength of Viagra may be necessary, or it may be best to avoid using it altogether.
• You are already using another PDE-5 inhibitor. Mixing Viagra with drugs like Vardenafil or Cialis (Tadalafil) should only be done under the advice of your healthcare provider.
• You consume significant amounts of alcohol (15 or more drinks per week for men); under these circumstances, daily usage of Cialis may be inappropriate due to potential interactions with alcohol that can further lower blood pressure.

For further details on treatments for erectile dysfunction, please consult your healthcare provider.

Alternatives to Sildenafil (Viagra)

Before using Sildenafil daily, read the product information leaflet and follow the dosage instructions. Otherwise, consult your doctor to ensure the right strength for your individual needs. If you want to have the effect of Sildenafil for longer than 4 hours, the following two alternative medications might be considered:

Tadalafil

Similar to Sildenafil, Tadalafil is another type of PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is available on a prescription in two variations: a daily 2.5mg or 5mg dose and a 20mg or 10mg dose taken as needed. A daily dose of one 2.5mg or 5mg Tadalafil tablet has a continuous effect, allowing for spontaneous sexual activity. On the other hand, one 20mg or 10mg tablet of Tadalafil can be taken 30 minutes before sexual activity, with effects lasting up to 36 hours. Like Sildenafil, you need to be sexually aroused for Tadalafil to work. It will not help to increase sexual desire.

Cialis

Cialis is the branded version of Tadalafil. It is also available on a prescription in two variations. Daily Cialis comes in 2.5mg or 5mg tablets and can be taken once a day for a continuous effect. Cialis 36 Hour comes in 10mg and 20mg tablets. It can be taken 30 minutes before sexual activity and can last up to 36 hours.

While Sildenafil can be taken daily under medical guidance, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before doing so. They can assess your personal health history and determine if daily use of sildenafil is a safe and effective option for you. Sildenafil interacts with over 250 different drugs so you should always let your doctor or pharmacist know of any medication you are taking, or planning to take. It may still be possible to use Sildenafil, but adjustments to your dose may be recommended.

Key Takeaways

Sildenafil is generally prescribed for men when they have a need to be sexually active, although it is also possible to take it daily. It's crucial to space doses by at least 24 hours. 

Typically, the initial dose is 50 mg, but healthcare providers might adjust this based on how well the medication works and its tolerability. Exceeding the maximum dose can lead to an increased risk of adverse effects, including low blood pressure and priapism.

For those seeking daily treatment options or more timing flexibility, alternatives such as Tadalafil (Cialis) might be more suitable.

Finally, it is important to note that erectile dysfunction may be indicative of a deeper health issue, which is why it is important to talk to your doctor before pursuing medications for ED. Overcoming erectile dysfunction is a unique and personal process; with the appropriate strategy, many men successfully find an effective solution.

Sources

1. Huang SA, Lie JD. (2013). Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors In the Management of Erectile Dysfunction. Retrieved 23rd September 2024, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3776492/
2. NHS. (2022). How and when to take Sildenafil. Retrieved 23rd September 2024, from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/how-and-when-to-take-sildenafil/
3. Electronic Medicines Compendium. (2023). Package leaflet: Sildenafil 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg film-coated tablets. Retrieved on 23rd September 2024, from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3172.pdf
4. McMurray JG, Feldman RA, Auerbach SM, Deriesthal H, Wilson N. (2017). Long-term safety and effectiveness of sildenafil citrate in men with erectile dysfunction. Retrieved 23rd September 2024, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2387281/ 

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.