Viagra strengths. Viagra Dosages: Understanding the 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg Strengths
What are the different Viagra dosages available. How do you choose the right strength of Viagra. What factors affect the ideal Viagra dose for erectile dysfunction. When should you adjust your Viagra dosage. How do generic sildenafil doses compare to brand-name Viagra.
Overview of Viagra Dosage Options
Viagra (sildenafil) is a widely prescribed medication for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). It comes in three different dosage strengths: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg tablets. Understanding the various Viagra dosages is crucial for finding the optimal treatment plan for your specific needs.
The standard starting dose for most men is 50mg, taken approximately 1 hour before sexual activity. However, your doctor may adjust this dosage based on your individual response and any side effects experienced. Let’s explore the key aspects of Viagra dosing to help you make informed decisions about your ED treatment.
Viagra 25mg: The Low-Dose Option
The 25mg dose is the lowest strength of Viagra available. This dosage may be recommended in the following situations:
- For men over 65 years old
- Those with liver or kidney problems
- Patients taking certain medications that interact with Viagra
- Men who experience side effects at higher doses
Is the 25mg dose effective for treating ED? While it’s the lowest strength, many men find the 25mg dose sufficient for improving their erectile function. It can be especially beneficial for those who are sensitive to the medication’s effects or have mild ED symptoms.
Viagra 50mg: The Standard Starting Dose
The 50mg tablet is considered the normal starting dose for Viagra. It strikes a balance between efficacy and minimizing potential side effects. Here’s what you need to know about the standard 50mg dose:
- Recommended for most men trying Viagra for the first time
- Typically taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity
- Effects can last for up to 4 hours
- May be adjusted up or down based on individual response
How effective is the 50mg dose? Clinical studies have shown that the 50mg dose of Viagra is effective for a large percentage of men with ED. It often provides a significant improvement in erectile function while maintaining a favorable side effect profile.
Viagra 100mg: Maximum Strength Option
The 100mg tablet is the highest dose of Viagra available. This strength may be prescribed in certain circumstances:
- For men who don’t respond adequately to lower doses
- Those with more severe ED symptoms
- Patients with specific health conditions affecting drug metabolism
Are there increased risks with the 100mg dose? While the 100mg dose can provide enhanced efficacy for some men, it also carries a higher risk of side effects. Your doctor will carefully consider your medical history and overall health before prescribing this maximum strength option.
Factors Influencing Viagra Dosage Selection
Determining the right Viagra dosage is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Several factors can influence the ideal dose for each individual:
- Age: Older men may require lower doses due to slower drug metabolism
- Overall health: Certain medical conditions can affect how the body processes Viagra
- Severity of ED: More pronounced symptoms may necessitate higher doses
- Medication interactions: Some drugs can alter Viagra’s effectiveness or increase side effect risks
- Body weight: Higher body mass may influence drug absorption and distribution
- Liver and kidney function: Impaired organ function can affect drug clearance
How do these factors impact dosing decisions? Your healthcare provider will take all these elements into account when prescribing Viagra. They may start with a lower dose and adjust as needed based on your response and any side effects experienced.
Adjusting Your Viagra Dosage
Finding the optimal Viagra dosage often requires some trial and adjustment. Here are some guidelines for modifying your dose:
- If the initial dose is ineffective, your doctor may increase it
- Experiencing side effects may prompt a dosage reduction
- Dosage adjustments should only be made under medical supervision
- Allow sufficient time between dose changes to assess effects
When should you consider changing your Viagra dose? If you’ve been using Viagra for several weeks without satisfactory results, or if you’re experiencing troublesome side effects, it’s time to consult your healthcare provider about potential dosage adjustments.
Generic Sildenafil Dosages
Generic versions of Viagra, containing the active ingredient sildenafil, are available in the same dosage strengths as the brand-name medication. These include:
- Sildenafil 25mg
- Sildenafil 50mg
- Sildenafil 100mg
Are generic sildenafil doses equivalent to Viagra? Generic sildenafil is bioequivalent to brand-name Viagra, meaning it contains the same active ingredient and works in the same way. The dosing recommendations and effects are generally identical between generic and brand-name versions.
Over-the-Counter Viagra Options
In some countries, including the UK, a lower-dose version of Viagra is available over the counter without a prescription. This product is known as Viagra Connect and comes in a single strength:
- Viagra Connect 50mg
How does over-the-counter Viagra differ from prescription options? While Viagra Connect contains the same active ingredient (sildenafil) as prescription Viagra, it is only available in the 50mg strength. Additionally, pharmacists must screen potential users to ensure it’s appropriate and safe for them to use.
Maximizing the Effectiveness of Your Viagra Dose
To get the most benefit from your prescribed Viagra dosage, consider the following tips:
- Take the medication on an empty stomach or after a light meal
- Avoid high-fat meals before taking Viagra, as they can delay absorption
- Allow sufficient time (30-60 minutes) for the medication to take effect
- Limit alcohol consumption, which can interfere with Viagra’s effectiveness
- Engage in sexual stimulation to activate the medication’s effects
- Be patient and try the medication several times before concluding it’s ineffective
Can lifestyle changes enhance Viagra’s effectiveness? Absolutely. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and addressing underlying health conditions can all contribute to better erectile function and may improve your response to Viagra.
Potential Side Effects Across Viagra Dosages
While Viagra is generally well-tolerated, side effects can occur at any dosage. Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Nasal congestion
- Indigestion
- Back pain
- Visual changes (e.g., blue tinge to vision)
Do higher doses of Viagra increase the risk of side effects? Generally, the likelihood and intensity of side effects may increase with higher doses. However, individual responses vary, and some men may experience side effects even at lower doses.
Special Considerations for Viagra Dosing
Certain populations may require special attention when it comes to Viagra dosing:
- Elderly patients: Often start with lower doses due to age-related changes in drug metabolism
- Men with liver or kidney problems: May need dose reductions to prevent drug accumulation
- Patients taking certain medications: Dosage adjustments may be necessary to avoid interactions
- Those with cardiovascular conditions: Require careful evaluation before Viagra use
Why is medical supervision important for Viagra dosing? A healthcare provider can assess your individual risk factors, monitor for potential side effects, and make informed decisions about the most appropriate Viagra dosage for your specific situation.
Comparing Viagra Dosages to Other ED Medications
While Viagra is a popular choice for ED treatment, other medications in the same class (PDE5 inhibitors) are available. Here’s how their dosages compare:
- Cialis (tadalafil): Available in 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg doses
- Levitra (vardenafil): Comes in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg strengths
- Stendra (avanafil): Offered in 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg tablets
How do these medications differ in terms of dosing frequency? Unlike Viagra, which is typically taken as needed, some ED medications like Cialis are available in daily low-dose options for continuous treatment.
The Importance of Following Prescribed Dosages
Adhering to your prescribed Viagra dosage is crucial for several reasons:
- Ensures optimal effectiveness in treating ED
- Minimizes the risk of adverse effects
- Prevents potential complications from overdosing
- Allows for accurate assessment of the medication’s impact
- Facilitates proper dosage adjustments if needed
What are the risks of not following prescribed Viagra dosages? Taking more than the recommended dose can increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects, while taking less may result in inadequate treatment of ED symptoms. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your Viagra dosage.
Future Developments in Viagra Dosing
Research into erectile dysfunction treatments is ongoing, and future developments may impact Viagra dosing strategies:
- Personalized medicine approaches to optimize individual dosing
- Novel drug delivery methods that could alter dosage requirements
- Combination therapies that may allow for lower Viagra doses
- Long-acting formulations that could reduce dosing frequency
How might these advancements change Viagra treatment in the future? As our understanding of ED and drug responses improves, we may see more tailored approaches to Viagra dosing that maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects for each individual patient.
Viagra Dosages – 25mg, 50mg, 100mg
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How to choose the right strength of Viagra
How to choose the right strength of Viagra
“The standard starting dosage for Viagra is 50mg. If this dosage doesn’t work for you, you can ask your doctor whether you can try 100mg tablets.” – Dr Zenon Andreou | |
“The standard starting dosage for Viagra is 50mg. If this dosage doesn’t work for you, you can ask your doctor whether you can try 100mg tablets.”
Dr Zenon Andreou
Viagra (sildenafil) is a medication for erectile dysfunction that can help you to get and keep an erection. It works by relaxing your blood vessels and increasing the blood flow to your penis.
There are three different doses of Viagra: 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. The normal starting dose for Viagra is 50mg, but you can switch doses with the help of a doctor if you need to.
Read on for more information about the different doses of Viagra, and find out what the right dose for you is.
Last reviewed: 23/12/2020 by Dr Babak Ashrafi
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Contents
What are the doses of Viagra?
How to pick the right dose for you
Doses of generic Viagra
Over the counter doses of Viagra
How to get the most out of your dose of Viagra
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Viagra Connect from £10. 99 | Viagra from £19.99 | Cialis from £40.99 | Sildenafil from £14.99 |
View Erectile Dysfunction Treatments |
View Erectile Dysfunction Treatments | |||
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Viagra from £19.99 | Cialis from £44.00 | ||
Viagra Connect from £19.99 | Sildenafil from £16.00 | ||
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Strengths, Form, When to Use, and More
Viagra (sildenafil) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). The drug comes as a tablet you’ll take by swallowing. It’s usually taken as needed about 1 hour before sexual activity.
The active ingredient in Viagra is sildenafil. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Viagra belongs to a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
This article describes the dosage of Viagra, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Viagra, see this in-depth article.
This section covers common questions about the dosage of Viagra.
What is Viagra’s form?
You may have heard Viagra described as the “little blue pill.” Viagra comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s a blue tablet that has a rounded diamond shape.
What strengths does Viagra come in?
Viagra is available in three strengths: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, and 100 mg.
What are the typical dosages of Viagra?
Typically, your doctor will start you on the recommended dosage. Then they’ll adjust your dosage over time to reach the right amount for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for erectile dysfunction
The recommended dosage of Viagra for erectile dysfunction (ED) is 50 mg, taken as needed about 1 hour before sexual activity. You can take it 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity. And you shouldn’t take more than one dose per day.
After you try the 50-mg dose, you can let your doctor know how your body responded. This includes whether your erectile function improved or if you had any side effects.
Depending on how Viagra worked, your doctor may suggest decreasing your dose to 25 mg or increasing it to 100 mg. Or they may have you continue taking the 50-mg dose.
You’ll continue to take Viagra only as needed. The maximum dosage is once per day.
That said, the drug isn’t meant for daily dosing. If you’re interested in a once-daily treatment for ED, such as tadalafil (Cialis), talk with your doctor.
Maximum Viagra dosage
For most people, the maximum recommended dosage of Viagra is 100 mg once per day.
This dosage may be too high for people who have certain medical conditions or take certain medications. So it’s important not to take more Viagra than your doctor prescribes for you.
If your current dosage isn’t working well for your ED, talk with your doctor about increasing your dosage.
Is Viagra used long term?
Yes, Viagra is typically used as needed for ED. If you and your doctor determine that Viagra is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it as long as you have ED.
Dosage adjustments
A lower dosage of Viagra is safer for some people. This is typically due to certain factors, such as having specific medical conditions. These factors include:
- being 65 years or older
- having kidney or liver problems
- taking a certain type of drug called an alpha-blocker that treats high blood pressure or prostate disease, such as tamsulosin (Flomax), doxazosin (Cardura), or prazosin (Minipress)
- taking ritonavir (Norvir), an HIV medication
If any of the above factors apply to you, talk with your doctor. They may adjust your dosage of Viagra.
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Viagra.
Is Viagra’s dosage based on weight?
No, the dosage of Viagra isn’t based on a person’s weight. Instead, Viagra’s dosage is based on your age, how well your kidneys and liver are working, and how well the drug works for your erectile dysfunction.
Does age affect Viagra dosage? If so, what would the dosage be for a 70-year-old vs. a 30-year-old?
Yes, your age is a factor in what dosage of Viagra is right for you.
As people get older, their heart, liver, and kidneys don’t work as well as they once did. This can cause an older adult’s body to break down drugs slower than a younger adult’s body. As a result, drugs stay longer in the body, which can raise the risk of side effects.
If you’re 65 years or older, your doctor may start you on a lower dosage of Viagra. The typical starting dosage of Viagra for a 70-year-old would be 25 milligrams (mg). For a 30-year-old who has no other medical conditions, the typical starting dosage would be 50 mg.
Regardless of your age, you’ll take your prescribed dose about an hour before sex.
If the prescribed dosage of Viagra works well for you and doesn’t cause bothersome side effects, you’ll likely continue taking it. If a dosage works well but causes bothersome side effects, your doctor may suggest a lower dosage. If a dosage doesn’t work to help you get or maintain an erection, your doctor may increase your dosage.
What would happen if I took a larger dose of Viagra than my doctor prescribed — for example, 150 mg or 200 mg?
You shouldn’t take more Viagra than your doctor prescribes. The maximum recommended dosage of Viagra is 100 mg per day. Taking higher doses of Viagra can increase your chances of having severe side effects, such as:
- dangerously low blood pressure, which may increase your risk for heart attack or stroke
- dizziness
- vision loss
- priapism, a painful erection that lasts longer than 4 hours and could lead to permanent damage to your penis if untreated
The dosage of Viagra you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- your age
- the severity of your erectile dysfunction (ED)
- how well Viagra works for your ED
- other medications you take, if any
- other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Viagra’s dosage?”)
You’ll take Viagra by mouth about 1 hour before sexual activity. Viagra tablets may be cut in half, crushed, or swallowed whole.
You can take Viagra with or without food. But the drug may not work as quickly if you take it with foods containing a lot of fat, such as fried foods. In this case, Viagra could take up to an hour longer to start working.
Viagra is a medication that you’ll only take when you need it, about 1 hour before sexual activity. You don’t have to take it regularly for it to be effective.
If you forget to take Viagra an hour before sex, you can take it as soon as you remember. It starts working to improve erectile function as soon as 30 minutes after you take your dose. Its effects usually last about 4 hours.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Viagra before sex, try setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app. Or ask your partner to remind you to take your dose about an hour before sex.
Do not use more Viagra than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you take too much Viagra
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Viagra. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Viagra for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Viagra without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Viagra exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some questions you may want to discuss with your doctor:
- How long should I give Viagra to work before my dosage should be increased?
- Should I take a lower dosage of Viagra because of my other medications?
- Can I take Viagra every day?
- Would a higher dosage of Viagra increase my risk for side effects?
To learn more about Viagra, see these articles:
- All About Viagra Oral Tablet
- Viagra Interactions: Alcohol, Medications, and Others
- Side Effects of Viagra: What You Need to Know
- Viagra vs. Levitra: What You Should Know
- All About Viagra’s Dosage
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Q:
What if I want to have sex more than once in 24 hours? Can I take Viagra more than once, as long as I don’t take more than 100 mg in a single day?
Anonymous
A:
No, you should not take Viagra more than once per day. The recommended maximum frequency is once per day, with the maximum dose being 100 milligrams per day. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how to use Viagra for your condition.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
6 products for male potency, proven over the centuries
The ancient Slavs considered the god Ud to be the patron of male power. He was portrayed as a stately curly fellow, sitting on a bull, with a viburnum wreath on his head and a spear in the form of a phallus. The general public is more familiar with the god Yarila – the patron of fertility and male power. In addition to verbal requests to their gods for the return of strength, men in the old days used various drugs.
Garlic is good for men
Before going to the healers, they tried to cure the disease with what is in every house. The first mention of garlic dates back to the 9th century, when it was brought from Byzantium. It quickly spread throughout Rus’ and penetrated deeply into the rituals and life of ordinary people. Bunches of garlic were hung in huts in order to ward off evil spirits, they were worn in the bosom as a talisman, they were decorated with livestock. For brides, garlic was woven into wedding wreaths.
Men, to strengthen their male power, ate a head of garlic at dinner, they were also snacked on strong drinks. It was believed that “vigorous garlic” stimulates blood circulation, driving blood to the genital area. It would be interesting to hear the opinion of the young ladies of that time, how they related to the specific smell of garlic, which, apparently, all womanizers smelled of.
Even the Japanese will envy: why the ancient Scandinavians were considered sexaholics and maniacs resembles a human figure, many useful qualities are attributed. It was also considered a natural aphrodisiac for men.
But, unlike garlic, it was not so easy to get. According to historical chronicles, ginseng entered Russia from China in 1675. At the same time, many local herbs were called Russian ginseng: Rhodiola rosea, celandine, cinquefoil, horseradish, St. John’s wort. In any case, in order to make a “remedy for impotence” from ginseng or its analogue, a qualification was required. This was done by healers, who crushed the rhizomes into small pieces and crushed it all in a mortar, mixing it with other necessary ingredients. Apparently, to get the drug, the men had to fork out.
How to increase libido in men: bull testicles
Every wealthy peasant had a livestock. Folk lore says that the gonads of animals can cure erectile dysfunction. First of all, the testes of bulls, rabbits, goats and rams were used. Hunters had the opportunity to get hold of the testes of wild animals.
Photo © Shutterstock
In addition, these animal body parts were considered delicacies in Rus’. After slaughtering the cattle, the testicles were neatly separated, prepared especially for the male half of the house. They were stewed with seasonings in the oven or boiled and served with a side dish. Garlic was added to enhance the effect.
But there is one caveat. If you eat the testis, the effect will be short-term. Therefore, the peasants contrived: they dried the testicles, crushed them, poured them into special bags, and then drank in a course. The medicine was meant for healing. To prevent male impotence, it was enough to periodically eat testicles at lunch or dinner.
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Folk remedy for impotence: bovine blood
Modern medicine uses a number of preparations made on the basis of animal blood. This probably won’t please vegans, but for many sick people, these medications have saved lives or helped solve health problems.
Ancestors knew about the healing properties of blood long before the rise of pharmacies. In the European part of Russia, bovine blood was used as a folk remedy for impotence. Siberians preferred bear’s blood. The indigenous peoples of Siberia did not encourage the killing of bears and considered it cannibalism, but a man faced with sexual impotence was ready to try any means.
Photo © Shutterstock
Both bovine and bear blood were thought to contain many beneficial hormones. The blood was consumed immediately after the slaughter of the animal, still “warm”. Some washed down the blood with kvass or mixed it with freshly milked milk. Perhaps the expression “Blood with milk” came just from there.
“Beaver stream” for men
At the end of the 17th century in Russia there were such concepts as “beaver hunters”, “beaver ruts”, “beaver fishing”. The hunter, in order to obtain the right to hunt beavers, had to turn to local nobles or hetmans. Cossack hunters were eventually exempted from military service, but had to pay a tax of 20 otters and 10 beavers per year.
Beavers were valued primarily for their fur, but also for their fat, which helped with various diseases and was a component of many potions. Eating beaver meat contributed to the process of hematopoiesis, as well as good liver function. For the treatment of male ailment, the “beaver stream” was used. This is a fluid found in the paired glands located in male beavers near the genitals. It is essentially a pungent-smelling musk that beavers use to mark territory and attract females. The glands were separated from the body of the animal, dried, ground into powder and, if necessary, used as a cure for impotence. In some cases, “beaver stream” was used to make tinctures.
Nuts for male power
It was believed that they not only save from sexual dysfunction, but also help fight infertility. In ancient times, wild hazel and hazelnuts were collected in the southern regions. Chilims, or water chestnuts, grew in the reservoirs. In ancient Rus’, they ate walnuts from Byzantium. They were also called royal. To enhance the effect, nuts were mixed with honey, raisins and dried apricots. Such a dessert was considered both a cure and a prevention of impotence.
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Viagra and Exxon Mobil will be removed from the Dow Jones index
On August 31, there will be a split of Apple shares in the ratio of 4 to 1. Papers that cost more than $500 will become four times cheaper. This will lead to the biggest change in the composition of the blue chip index since 2013
Photo: Spencer Platt / Getty Images
Index provider S&P Dow Jones Indices will replace three stocks in the Dow Jones Industrial calculation from August 31, according to its website (.pdf). Instead of Exxon Mobil, Pfizer and Raytheon Technologies, it will include Salesforce, Amgen and Honeywell.
Changes in the index are caused by Apple’s decision to split its shares at a ratio of 4 to 1. The split, which will lead to a fourfold reduction in the price of securities, will simultaneously reduce the weight of the information technology sector in the index. To make up for this cut, the S&P Dow Jones will add stocks from the IT sector.
Oil company Exxon Mobil will be replaced by cloud solutions developer Salesforce.com, pharmaceutical company Pfizer, known, in particular, for the development of Viagra, biotechnology company Amgen, and military-industrial corporation Raytheon Technologies, industrial conglomerate Honeywell International.
adv.rbc.ru
These changes in the composition of Dow Jones reflect the current trends in the American economy – its focus on technology. The oldest oil producer, Exxon, has been part of the Dow for almost 100 years – since 1928 years old, and now he is being replaced by a cloud solutions developer.
The last time the Dow underwent a similar rebalancing was in 2013. Then it included shares of Goldman Sachs, Visa and Nike instead of Alcoa, Bank of America and Hewlett Packard.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average is often referred to as the Dow Jones Index, or
blue chips
. It includes 30 largest American companies. It was created to track the industrial component of the American stock markets in 1884. The composition of the index has changed many times since then. And the definition of “industrial” is symbolic, since many of the largest American companies now belong to other industries. Initially, the index was calculated as the arithmetic average of the prices for the shares of the companies included in it. Later the formula was complicated.
“The change will not affect the value of the index,” S&P Dow Jones said in a statement. However, Apple’s position in the index will change. According to S&P Dow Jones Indices senior analyst Howard Silverblatt, the previously ranked number one in the Apple index will drop to 17th place.