
Can You Get Cialis Without a Doctor Prescription?









Cialis®, the brand name for tadalafil, is FDA-approved for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). One dose of Cialis can stave off ED for an impressive 36 hours—earning it the nickname the “weekend pill.”
Many people wonder, can you buy Cialis without a doctor prescription? Is it available over-the-counter?
Unfortunately, you cannot obtain Cialis without a healthcare provider’s prescription. The role of healthcare professionals is crucial as they assess whether you are a suitable candidate for the medication based on your comprehensive medical history, existing medical conditions, and other relevant factors unique to your situation.
However, just because you cannot easily buy Cialis online does not imply that obtaining it is overly complicated. Read on to discover how you can acquire Cialis (it may be simpler than you think), the age restrictions involved, and why it’s wise to be cautious about over-the-counter (OTC) ED medications.
To clarify, you cannot buy Cialis without a doctor prescription. That said, it doesn't necessarily need to be an MD writing the prescription—other healthcare professionals, such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants, can also prescribe this medication.
Cialis is a potent prescription drug classified as a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, known commonly as a PDE5 inhibitor.
This medication functions as a vasodilator, promoting the expansion of blood vessels, which enhances blood flow to the penis—crucial for achieving an erection.
Yet, it's important to remember that Cialis is not a magic solution; sexual stimulation is still necessary to achieve and maintain an erection while tadalafil is active in your system.
There were discussions about the possibility of Cialis transitioning from a prescription medication to an over-the-counter option. However, as of now, on-demand Cialis remains unavailable in OTC format, even though acquiring it through an online doctor and pharmacy is an option.
So while you might not yet be able to purchase Cialis over the counter, getting a prescription is relatively straightforward if the drug aligns with your health needs.
The same guidelines apply to tadalafil, the generic formulation of Cialis. To further educate yourself, explore our resources on tadalafil uses and the recommended tadalafil dosage.
Whether you're seeking as-needed Cialis or daily Cialis, procuring a prescription is essential. Here’s how you can go about it.
Visit Your Primary Care Provider
Your primary care provider can serve as your initial source for addressing various health concerns—including erectile dysfunction.
We understand that discussing your sexual health can provoke feelings of embarrassment—especially when things aren’t functioning as expected—but erectile dysfunction is a common issue. It affects approximately 30 million men across the United States, so don't hesitate to seek treatment.
Be open with your telehealth or healthcare provider about experiencing any symptoms of ED, such as:
Occasional difficulty achieving an erection
Persistent problems with achieving an erection
Challenges in maintaining an erection long enough for successful sexual intercourse
It’s crucial to remember that your provider is likely accustomed to hearing all sorts of concerns related to erectile problems—so you're not alone.
That said, we understand that discussing ED with a long-time doctor—especially one you might consider a friend—can be quite uncomfortable. If that’s the case for you, consider getting primary care online.
Meet With a Urologist
Another option for obtaining a Cialis prescription is to bypass your general physician and see a specialist directly—a urologist.
A urologist specializes in treating diseases related to the urinary system, which includes the kidneys and bladder. They also manage health concerns related to male reproductive organs, including the penis, scrotum, testes, and prostate. Yes, this encompasses ED.
You might feel more at ease discussing your sexual health concerns with a healthcare provider you've never encountered before. In some instances, a urologist may be better suited to offer effective treatment options.
Search for an erectile dysfunction specialist or ED clinic in your vicinity to schedule an appointment and potentially receive a Cialis prescription during an in-person visit.
Have an Online Medical Consultation
Although your local pharmacy may be just a short drive away, you can also obtain Cialis prescriptions through online medical consultations.
These consultations allow you to connect with a licensed healthcare professional from the comfort of your home (or anywhere you can access the internet). After answering some questions about your symptoms, they may provide you with a Cialis prescription, which can then be delivered discreetly to your doorstep.
It's simple and effective.
Begin an online consultation today to access Cialis through Hims. We offer generic tadalafil as well as other ED solutions, including Viagra® (sildenafil) and our unique chewable hard mints.
While generic Cialis usually costs less, you can refer to our tadalafil cost guide for a detailed breakdown of pricing options.
Erectile dysfunction does not discriminate with age—it’s possible to experience ED in your 30s, or even as early as your 20s.
Indeed, older age may correlate with a higher likelihood of developing ED. However, various health conditions that can affect males of all ages contribute to this issue, such as:
Type 2 diabetes
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Injuries to the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder, or pelvis
Anxiety and depression
Certain medications, such as antidepressants or blood pressure treatments.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices can further exacerbate ED, which may include:
Smoking
Excessive drinking
Using illegal drugs
Being overweight
Leading a sedentary lifestyle
To summarize, regardless of age, erectile dysfunction can present itself at any time.
Fortunately, Cialis is available for men over the age of 18, and research indicates that tadalafil is an effective treatment for ED across various age groups. A sigh of relief!
You might have encountered an over-the-counter substitute for Cialis and felt tempted to give it a try. However, the stark truth is these so-called substitutes generally lack FDA approval and carry considerable risks.
Some studies show that certain supplements like L-arginine may offer some assistance in managing ED, but the efficacy of most herbal remedies remains largely unproven.
Consequently, if you opt for an herbal supplement that claims to facilitate getting hard, you may find it less effective than actual prescription medication—or it might not work at all.
It's important to realize that you could be wasting both time and money. Additionally, many over-the-counter ED solutions come with significant health risks, such as the danger of priapism (an erection lasting longer than four hours, which can be extremely painful).
Aside from the active ingredients, OTC substitutes for ED treatment could contain hidden compounds not disclosed on the product labels. This increases the risk of facing severe side effects or harmful interactions with other medications you are currently taking, such as nitrates.
The FDA maintains a database of tainted sexual enhancement products, which you can access online—but the agency has noted that this database likely represents only a fraction of the actual products.
Our recommendation? Steer clear of herbal substitutes and opt for the legitimate option. Engage with a healthcare professional to obtain a prescription for Cialis or another FDA-approved ED treatment.
If you’re having trouble with your erections, you owe it to yourself to be in the best possible condition the next time intimacy arises. Cialis can provide that assistance.
Lasting up to 36 hours, Cialis significantly outlasts Viagra, which typically lasts only around four hours. The active ingredient, tadalafil, can also aid in managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Regardless of your situation, you will require a prescription from a licensed medical professional.
Here’s what you should keep in mind when it comes to acquiring a Cialis prescription:
You cannot receive Cialis without a doctor’s prescription. Consult your primary care provider, visit a urologist, or engage with a licensed provider online to obtain Cialis or any other prescription ED medications.
You can secure Cialis through an online medical consultation. You don’t have to leave your home to obtain a prescription; connect virtually with a healthcare professional and gain access to Cialis online.
OTC Cialis substitutes pose health risks as they may contain undisclosed active ingredients and might not deliver the intended results.
If you’re contemplating using Cialis, you can find out more about how Cialis works and the common side effects of Cialis in our informative guides.
Remember, if Cialis isn’t the right fit for you, other erectile dysfunction treatments are available. Familiarize yourself with how ED medications work to broaden your understanding of your choices.
9 Sources
- American Urological Association. (n.d.). What is urology?. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/what-is-urology
- Chang J, et al. (2016). Prescription to over-the-counter switches in the United States. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4966231/
- CIALIS (tadalafil) tablets, for oral use. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/021368s030lbl.pdf
- Coward RM, et al. (2008). Tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2643112/
- Dhaliwal A, et al. (2023). PDE5 inhibitors. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549843/
- Huang SA, et al. (2013). Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the management of erectile dysfunction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3776492/
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). (2017). Erectile dysfunction (ED). https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/all-content
- Rhim HC, et al. (2019). The potential role of arginine supplements on erectile dysfunction: a systemic review and meta-analysis. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331065420_The_Potential_Role_of_Arginine_Supplements_on_Erectile_Dysfunction_A_Systemic_Review_and_Meta-Analysis
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2024). Tainted sexual enhancement products. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/tainted-sexual-enhancement-products
Editorial Standards
Hims & Hers follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to utilize primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. If you notice any inaccuracies, please inform us at [email protected]!