Is Cialis available over-the-counter?

We all wish obtaining medication was as easy as a trip to the corner store. Unfortunately, not all drugs are considered safe enough to purchase at the drugstore without a prescription. Cialis, a brand-name drug used to treat erectile dysfunction, is not available over-the-counter (OTC). Many pharmacies provide Cialis online, but all avenues require a consultation with a healthcare provider and a prescription. Continue reading to learn more about how to get Cialis online, and whether Cialis will be available OTC anytime soon. 

The short answer? No, Cialis is not available over-the-counter. You need a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional to get Cialis.

In 2014, the pharmaceutical company Sanofi acquired the exclusive rights to apply for approval to market OTC Cialis from Eli Lilly. This sparked a lot of interest in whether Cialis would be available without a prescription. The plan was for Sanofi to make applications for OTC approval in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Europe once the drug patent expired in 2018. 

However, the hurdles to make Cialis available OTC in the United States were significant. Concerns included the potential for misuse, drug interactions, and fears that underlying medical conditions that cause ED may go undiagnosed. Health conditions you may not know can cause ED include:

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Anxiety and depression

Viagra has been available over-the-counter in the United Kingdom since 2017, but there are currently no plans for Viagra or Cialis to go OTC in the United States The generic version of Cialis, tadalafil, also requires a prescription. However, the Sanofi deal with Eli Lilly remains, so Sanofi may explore the potential for Cialis to go OTC one day.

If you struggle to get and maintain an erection firm enough for satisfying sex, make an appointment with a healthcare provider who can rule out any underlying causes of your ED. They’ll also discuss with you the potential risks and benefits of taking an ED drug like Cialis. If appropriate, your provider will give you a prescription for it. 

However, if Cialis isn’t right for you, don't despair. There are several effective treatments for ED. Other ED medications that work like Cialis you can try include sildenafil (brand name Viagra), vardenafil (brand name Levitra), and avanafil (brand name Stendra).

Aside from oral medications, other treatment options include:

• Counseling or therapy to improve mental health issues that might be contributing to ED, like depression or anxiety

• Making lifestyle changes like getting regular exercise, adopting a healthy diet, weight loss, avoiding tobacco, and drinking less alcohol 

• Trying medications that are injected into the penis (examples include alprostadil, BiMix, TriMix)

• Surgery to correct penile conditions that cause ED like Peyronie's disease

• Devices that help blood flow to and stay in the penis, such as penis pumps and cock rings 

While you can't get Viagra or Cialis over-the-counter in the United States, there are natural or herbal OTC products that may help. However, it is very unlikely that these supplements have the same effects as FDA-approved drugs like Cialis or Viagra. While some studies on herbal supplements to support healthy erections show promising results, more research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of supplements. 

These supplements include: 

• Korean red ginseng: Some studies suggest Korean red ginseng may improve erectile dysfunction.

• Horny goat weed: While horny goat weed hasn't been tested in humans, it does contain icariin, a substance that inhibits PDE5, just like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis 

• Yohimbe/yohimbine: There is limited research on yohimbine for ED, but this OTC supplement may help alleviate symptoms.

• L-arginine: This amino acid increases nitric oxide, a compound important for erections. Small studies suggest that L-arginine may be an option for ED.

Be extremely cautious when it comes to pills available online or at gas stations and stores that claim to treat ED. Erectile dysfunction medications (Viagra in particular) are one of the most counterfeited drugs on the market. Counterfeit pills have been found to contain harmful ingredients like printer ink and talcum powder.

In summary, Cialis isn’t available over the counter right now, but this could change in the future. For now, make an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience erectile dysfunction. You’re not alone, and your provider can help you explore many safe and effective treatment options.

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Current version

November 13, 2023

Written by

Chimene Richa, MD

Fact checked by

Felix Gussone, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Felix Gussone, MD, Ro

Felix Gussone is a physician, health journalist and a Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.