Can You Take Sildenafil Daily?

Table of Contents

• What is Sildenafil?
• How Much Sildenafil Can You Take a Day?
• Does Sildenafil Have Side Effects?
• Can You Take Sildenafil Daily?
• What Happens If You Take Sildenafil Daily?
• Alternatives to Taking Sildenafil Daily

What is Sildenafil?

Sildenafil, also known as Viagra, is a common medication used to treat erectile dysfunction in men. It is part of a 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] 

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 of Sildenafil can last for up to 4 hours.

How Much Sildenafil Can You Take a Day?

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.

Does Sildenafil Have Side Effects?

Taking 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
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of mouth, lips or throat
• Sudden decrease or loss of vision
• Seizures

If you or someone you know shows a serious or rare 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 Sildenafil Daily?

While Sildenafil is seen as a safe and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in men, there are debates about whether or not Sildenafil can be taken daily. Some men may want to take Sildenafil to help with spontaneous sexual activity. However, Sildenafil 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 Sildenafil 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 Sildenafil daily once you are under the guidance or supervision of a healthcare provider. There are a few reasons why taking Sildenafil daily may not be advisable however. The long-term effects of regular Sildenafil use have not been widely studied and there is limited research on the safety and efficacy of taking Sildenafil every day over an extended period of time. 

What Happens If You Take Sildenafil Daily?

Taking Sildenafil daily 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.

Alternatives to Taking Sildenafil Daily

Before taking Sildenafil daily, read the product information leaflet and follow the dosage instructions. Otherwise, consult your doctor to ensure the right strength and dosage 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.

Cialis

Cialis is the branded version of Tadalafil. It is also available on a prescription in two variations. Cialis Daily 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 take Sildenafil, but adjustments to your dosage may be recommended.

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.