ED Medication Dosages: How to Find the Right Strength
ED medications come in multiple strengths. Starting at the right dose—and knowing when to adjust—can mean the difference between success and unnecessary side effects. Here's your complete dosing guide.
Sildenafil (Viagra) Dosing
Sildenafil is the most commonly prescribed ED medication. Here's how the doses compare:
25mg — Low Dose
Best for: Men 65+, liver/kidney issues, taking alpha-blockers, or those with bothersome side effects at 50mg
Typical use: Starting point for older men or those with health conditions
50mg — Standard Starting Dose
Best for: Most men trying sildenafil for the first time
Success rate: Works for 60-70% of men
Why start here: Balances effectiveness and tolerability
100mg — Maximum Dose
Best for: Men for whom 50mg wasn't strong enough
Note: Higher success rate but more side effects
Never exceed: 100mg in 24 hours
How to Take Sildenafil
- • Take 30-60 minutes before sex (works best at ~1 hour)
- • Can work up to 4 hours before
- • Empty stomach = faster, stronger effect
- • Fatty meals delay absorption
- • Only once per 24 hours
Tadalafil (Cialis) Dosing
Tadalafil is unique because it can be taken as-needed OR daily. Different doses for different purposes:
As-Needed Dosing
10mg — Standard Starting Dose
Best for: First-time users, mild-to-moderate ED
Duration: Up to 36 hours ("the weekend pill")
20mg — Maximum As-Needed Dose
Best for: Men who need more than 10mg provides
Studies show: Better response in severe ED
Note: More side effects than 10mg
Daily Dosing
2.5mg Daily — Starting Dose
Best for: Men who want to try daily dosing, or those with side effects at 5mg
Benefit: Ready for sex anytime without planning
5mg Daily — Standard/Maximum Daily Dose
Best for: Frequent sexual activity, men with BPH (prostate issues)
How it works: Builds up in system for 24/7 coverage
Take: Same time every day, regardless of sexual activity
Vardenafil (Levitra) Dosing
5mg — Low Dose
Best for: Men 65+, liver impairment, or taking certain medications
10mg — Standard Starting Dose
Best for: Most men starting vardenafil
Duration: 4-5 hours
20mg — Maximum Dose
Best for: Men who need more than 10mg
Note: Never exceed 20mg in 24 hours
When to Increase Your Dose
Don't assume the starting dose won't work. Try it 4-6 times before changing. If it's not working:
- •Make sure you're taking it correctly — timing, food, arousal matter
- •Talk to your provider about increasing to the next dose
- •50mg→100mg sildenafil or 10mg→20mg tadalafil is common
- •Higher doses = higher success rates, but also more side effects
When to Lower Your Dose
- •Bothersome headaches, flushing, or nasal congestion
- •Erection "too strong" or lasts too long
- •Vision changes (especially with sildenafil)
- •The medication works but side effects outweigh benefits
Get ED Medication at the Right Dose
Free consultation. A provider will recommend the right starting dose for you.
Special Dosing Considerations
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Age 65+ | Start with lower dose (sildenafil 25mg) |
| Kidney disease | Start low; drug clears slower |
| Liver disease | Start low; drug metabolizes slower |
| Taking alpha-blockers | Start at lowest dose to avoid BP drop |
| CYP3A4 inhibitors (some antibiotics, HIV meds) | Lower doses needed; tell your provider |
⚠️ Never Exceed Maximum Doses
Taking more than the maximum (100mg sildenafil, 20mg tadalafil/vardenafil) doesn't improve erections—it only increases side effects and risks. If the max dose doesn't work, talk to your provider about switching medications or addressing underlying causes.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Start at the standard dose — 50mg sildenafil or 10mg tadalafil
- 2. Give it 4-6 tries before deciding it doesn't work
- 3. Adjust based on results — increase if not effective, decrease if side effects
- 4. Never exceed max doses — more isn't better
- 5. Consider daily tadalafil if you want 24/7 readiness
- 6. Talk to your provider about dose changes
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always follow your prescriber's instructions. Do not adjust doses without consulting a healthcare provider.
How Sildenafil Works
The PDE5 mechanism explained.
Daily Cialis Guide
Is daily tadalafil right for you?