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Medically Approved

Can you buy Cialis over the counter?

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AvailabilitySide effectsEffectivenessOther remediesSummary
People cannot buy Cialis over the counter in the United States. Cialis is a medication that people can only buy with a medical professional’s prescription.
Medically reviewed by Alisha D. Sellers, BS Pharmacy, PharmD
Updated on

Cialis is a branded medication for the treatment of certain sexual health conditions, such as erectile dysfunction (ED). The generic version is called tadalafil. Neither Cialis nor tadalafil is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medication. You can buy Cialis only after speaking with a doctor.

You can only buy Cialis after a doctor prescribes it to you, as they first need to determine if this medication is safe for you to take. This is because taking Cialis can cause serious side effects if you have certain underlying health conditions.

Cialis availability

A man at a pharmacy buying some medications, wondering whether he can get Cialis over the counter.
Photography by Andresr/Getty Images

Cialis is available only as a prescription medication because it changes your blood pressure, and this can be particularly dangerous if your blood pressure is too low or too high. Cialis contains the active drug tadalafil. This is a substance that belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.

PDE5 inhibitors can influence your blood pressure. This can cause severe side effects, and in some cases, it can be extremely dangerous and lead to life threatening complications that can be fatal. Cialis may not be suitable for people who take nitrates to manage chest pain as this can lower the blood pressure to dangerous levels.

For this reason, Cialis is not available OTC. A healthcare professional may need to monitor you as they work toward determining whether prescribing Cialis will be safe and beneficial for you.

Before prescribing Cialis for treating ED, a doctor will have your blood pressure taken and ask you questions about your medical history and the drugs you are currently taking to determine if this medication is safe for you. It is extremely important that you talk openly and honestly with the doctor and that you do not omit any health information.

People can also buy Cialis online without the need to attend an in-person doctor’s visit. However, you are still required to undergo a private consultation and health assessment with a medical professional before you can get a delivery of the medication. This is to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of any adverse effects, including those that can be fatal.

It’s important to note that buying Cialis online can be more challenging as many websites provide this service, including illegal online providers. If you decide to buy Cialis online, make sure you buy it through a legitimate telehealth provider like Optum Perks.

Buying this drug from other websites that may not be legitimate can put you at risk of buying a Cialis product that may contain dangerous or counterfeit ingredients, putting your health at risk.

Need a prescription or refill for ED medication? You can get discreet and expert on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes through Optum Perks. For $29, answer a few questions online and get a treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.

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Cialis side effects

Cialis does not typically cause substantial side effects. Many people take this medication without experiencing any side effects, and when they do, the symptoms are generally mild, such as:

  • muscle pain
  • nasal congestion
  • pain in the limbs
  • indigestion or stomach pain (dyspepsia)
  • headaches
  • facial flush
  • back pain

If you experience any side effects that are causing you discomfort and that do not go away, speaking with a healthcare professional is an important next step. They can advise you about the other alternative treatment options available for ED.

You should immediately contact a doctor or the emergency services if you take Cialis and you develop any of the following symptoms:

  • a sudden hearing reduction or hearing loss
  • blurry vision or vision loss
  • dizziness
  • ringing in the ears
  • experiencing an erection that lasts more than 4 hours
  • hives
  • skin rash
  • skin blistering or peeling
  • swelling
  • chest pain
  • difficulties breathing
  • difficulties swallowing

Cialis effectiveness

Cialis is typically very effective in treating ED. Many people using this medication reported an improvement in getting and maintaining erections. People can use Cialis as an ongoing treatment or on-demand before having sexual intercourse.

However, a 2019 research review showed that using tadalafil for 24 weeks as a daily treatment cycle for ED produced a greater improvement in ED symptoms compared to using Cialis only when needed.

If you have ED symptoms, you may consider speaking with a doctor. They can prescribe the most appropriate medication for managing your symptoms and recommend how to take it.

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OTC or natural ED remedies

If you have ED, there are some OTC medications and natural supplements that may help you manage your condition. However, it’s important that you speak with a doctor before starting any new ED management plan. This is especially true if you are already taking other supplements or drugs or you have any health conditions that may cause you concern.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid that the adrenal glands, brain, and gonads produce. Its levels can drop when you age, and this can affect your ability to have and maintain erections. Taking OTC DHEA may help increase its levels in the body and treat ED.

A 2019 study indicated that L-arginine supplements can also help treat mild to moderate ED. L-arginine is an amino acid found in several foods, including red meat, fish, poultry, and dairy, that your body converts into nitric oxide. This compound can help improve your blood flow, which can potentially help you with ED.

Some people also reported improvement in their ED symptoms after taking ginseng supplements. However, there is little evidence about ginseng treating ED. More research is needed.

Yohimbe, a supplement produced from the bark of an African tree, may help with ED. This is because Yohimbe may help improve blood flow in the penis and promote the production of norepinephrine, a compound necessary for stimulating an erection.

Summary

Cialis is a prescription drug used for treating ED. You cannot buy Cialis as an OTC medication.

It’s important that you speak with a doctor if you’re considering Cialis. This is because Cialis can affect your blood pressure, and it can be fatal to people with certain underlying health conditions.

While most ED medications are prescription only, there are some OTC drugs and supplements that you can use that may improve ED.

However, if you have any concerns about your health conditions or if you are taking or considering other supplements or medications to treat other illnesses, it’s important to consider speaking with a medical professional.

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Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.

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