Hims is a telehealth service that offers sildenafil — the generic active ingredient in Viagra — for erectile dysfunction (ED) after an online medical consultation. The sildenafil itself comes in the standard doses of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg, with 50 mg the usual starting point taken about an hour before sex. Its effectiveness depends on the individual, the severity of the ED and the dose, and the maximum is 100 mg per day. Whatever the provider, sildenafil should be used under medical supervision and never exceed the prescribed dose.
Telehealth has made ED treatment more accessible, but the medicine is the same regulated sildenafil regardless of brand. Here is what to know about dosage and how well it works.
What sildenafil is for
Sildenafil is prescribed mainly to treat ED. It works by facilitating blood flow to the penis, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection. Whether obtained through a pharmacy or a telehealth service like Hims, it is the same active ingredient with the same mechanism — what differs is how you access the prescription.
| Dose | When it is used |
|---|---|
| 25 mg | Lower dose; sensitivity or mild cases |
| 50 mg | Standard starting dose, ~1 hour before sex |
| 100 mg | Moderate to severe ED, under supervision |
| Maximum | 100 mg per day — never exceed |
The dosages
Sildenafil comes in several dose levels — 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg — and the right one depends on the patient's health, the severity of the ED and their response to the medicine. The standard dose for ED is typically 50 mg, taken about an hour before sexual activity, and it can be adjusted based on how a person responds. For moderate to severe ED, a provider may prescribe 100 mg when lower doses are not effective enough — but raising the dose should always be done under medical supervision.
Lower and off-label doses
Less commonly, sildenafil 20 mg is sometimes used off-label for ED; this dose was originally developed for pulmonary arterial hypertension but has found some use in managing ED. It is worth dispelling a myth: the right dose is determined by health-related factors, not by penis size, SAT scores or tax bracket. A healthcare provider plays a key role in adjusting the dose, weighing overall health, response to the medicine and the severity of the ED.
How well it works
Sildenafil helps mainly by increasing blood flow to the tissue inside the penis, supporting an erection. It may offer more noticeable benefits at higher doses such as 100 mg, but its effectiveness depends on what is being treated and varies from person to person. The maximum dose is 100 mg per day, a limit set to minimize the risk of side effects — always adhere to the dose your provider prescribes to keep the medicine safe and effective.
Limits and safe use
Sildenafil does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so safe-sex practices — including condoms — should always be upheld. Taking too much can lead to serious side effects, which is why exceeding the maximum 100 mg per day is dangerous. Through Hims or any telehealth provider, the value is convenience and access, but the rules are the same as with any prescription: follow medical guidance, do not self-escalate the dose, and report any concerning effects to a healthcare professional.
For the medicine in general, read coupons for sildenafil and generic Viagra and is Viagra off patent in the US. To understand it fully, see what sildenafil is and how it is used.
Frequently asked questions
- What doses does Hims sildenafil come in?
- The standard 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg, with 50 mg the usual starting dose taken about an hour before sex.
- How effective is it?
- It works for many men by improving blood flow, but effectiveness varies by person, dose and the severity of the ED.
- What is the maximum dose?
- 100 mg per day. Exceeding it raises the risk of serious side effects, so never go above the prescribed dose.
- Is telehealth sildenafil different?
- No. It is the same regulated sildenafil; telehealth just changes how you get the prescription, still under medical review.
For the full picture of causes and treatments, return to the erectile dysfunction and male sexual health hub.