Can You Take Viagra Daily?

Thankfully for guys with erectile dysfunction, there are erectile dysfunction medications like Viagra, also known by its generic name, sildenafil approved by the Food and Drug Administration for ED. But how you take them matters.

“Can sildenafil be taken daily?” and “Can I take sildenafil every day?” are two good questions. Yes, it is possible to take this medication safely, daily. However, it’s not necessarily the case that it’ll be safe for you, or in your best interest.

So can you take Viagra every day? And if so, what are the benefits of taking Viagra daily?

Read on to find out.

Can you take Viagra daily? Technically, yes, both Viagra and its generic sildenafil can be taken daily. However, a better question is whether it’s actually the right choice for you. If you feel you need to take Viagra daily because you regularly engage in sexual activity, there are other options you could consider instead. Cialis (tadalafil) is a medication that’s FDA approved for ED that lasts for up to 36 hours at a time, so you can take fewer pills and still have relief from ED for a longer period of time. Cialis and its generic, tadalafil, can also be taken daily at lower doses, so you always have some relief from ED. A healthcare provider can discuss these options with you, — whether it’s frequent use of Viagra or choosing a different medication like Cialis.

“Can I take Viagra every day” is a good question to ask, and depending on health details unique to you, the answer may vary. 

If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to take medications for erectile dysfunction every day, you might be surprised to know how many other guys have the same question. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that about 30 million men in the United States are affected by ED, and many of them taking medication have normal, healthy sex lives.

Spoiler: You should take Viagra exactly as it’s prescribed to you by your healthcare provider. Period. 

That said, if you think you’d like to explore daily Viagra, or the Viagra you’re taking (at the dosage you’re taking it) isn’t working well enough, you should speak to your healthcare provider about your options.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved Viagra dosed for as-needed use. The maximum recommended dosing frequency is once a day. So you can take Viagra daily if you are spacing the doses out by 24 hours, but most people take the medication less frequently than this.

You should never take more than a single dose at once. This can lead to an increased risk of side effects, such as a condition called priapism. This involves getting an erection that lasts longer than four hours, and it can cause permanent damage to your penis. Taking Viagra daily also means you’re at risk of experiencing side effects for more total time — namely, every time you take it and for several hours afterward until the medication is no longer active in your system.

Some internet sources and even a few individual medical experts believe that there are benefits to taking Viagra daily. You’ll find claims that daily Viagra can act as a ward against impotence. Some very new research also shows that taking Viagra may be associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in those who take it more frequently. More research needs to be done in this area, though.

First, know this: sildenafil citrate in all its forms is safe. But, like with anything you take, there are always potential side effects.  For the most part, they are minor. 

However, you should never start taking something new without filling your healthcare provider in on pre-existing medical conditions. 

The most common side effects of sildenafil include: 

• Headaches

• Flushing

• Dyspepsia (indigestion)

• Abnormal vision 

• Nasal congestion 

• Back or muscle pain

• Nausea

• Blurred vision

• Dizziness

• Rash

You should avoid using certain medications that can interact with Viagra such as alpha-blockers and nitrates.You should even avoid grapefruit when taking Viagra, as it can interact with how Viagra is metabolized. 

If you experience any adverse effects while taking sildenafil (especially serious side effects like vision loss, hearing loss or priapism), contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Letting erectile dysfunction ruin your sexual activity is not the way to go. Sildenafil, commonly known by its brand name Viagra®, is a medication that is prescribed to help with erectile function.

As for taking sildenafil daily, here are our thoughts:

• It is intended to be taken as needed with a maximum dose of once per day. Most men will take it less frequently than daily.

• It is considered safe and effective and, for most people, it causes only mild side effects. 

• Those side effects could include headaches, dizziness and rashes, among other symptoms. 

• Some healthcare professionals think this could be a good way to keep your penis healthy.

• That said, you should never adjust your own dose without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. 

• If you experience any side effects, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider.

• Another option, like Cialis, may be more appropriate if you find yourself taking Viagra every day. 

All PDE5 inhibitors work similarly, but many can be better for certain circumstances and individuals than others. Tadalafil (generic for Cialis), Levitra (and its generic vardenafil) and Stendra (avanafil) all increase blood flow to the penis.

If you’re interested in learning more about taking sildenafil daily, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional.