
Can You Get Cialis Without a Doctor Prescription?









Cialis®, the brand name for tadalafil, is FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction (ED). One dose of Cialis can stave off ED for an incredible 36 hours — earning it the nickname the “weekend pill.” Many men turn to Cialis for its long-lasting effects and ease of use.
So, can you buy Cialis without a doctor prescription? Is Cialis available over-the-counter?
Unfortunately, the answer is no; you cannot get Cialis without a healthcare provider’s prescription. Healthcare professionals are essential as they evaluate your medical history, existing medical conditions, and unique circumstances to determine if Cialis is a suitable option for you.
Just because you can’t buy Cialis online, however, doesn’t mean it’s impossible to obtain it. Read on to discover how to get Cialis more easily than you might think, what the minimum age requirement is for obtaining it, and why you should approach over-the-counter (OTC) ED pills with caution.
No, you cannot buy Cialis without a doctor prescription. It's noteworthy that the prescription does not necessarily have to come from a traditional doctor (MD) — other qualified medical professionals, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, can also prescribe this medication.
Cialis is a serious prescription medication classified as a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor — or PDE5 inhibitor for short. This means that Cialis works by helping to relax the blood vessels, thus enhancing blood flow to the penis.
However, it’s crucial to note that it is not a magic pill; sexual stimulation is still necessary for it to work effectively and help you achieve and maintain an erection while tadalafil is active in your system.
Previously, there were discussions regarding Cialis transitioning from a prescription medication to an over-the-counter product. Although the idea of on-demand Cialis has yet to materialize, you can still access it through an online doctor or pharmacy.
So while you may not be able to acquire Cialis over the counter just yet, obtaining a prescription is relatively straightforward, provided you meet the necessary medical criteria.
The same applies to tadalafil, the generic variant of Cialis. Explore more about tadalafil uses and optimal tadalafil dosage in our comprehensive guides.
Whether your preference leans towards as-needed Cialis or daily Cialis, a prescription is non-negotiable. Here’s how you can go about obtaining one.
Visit Your Primary Care Provider
Your primary care provider (PCP) is the ideal first point of contact for all health-related concerns, including erectile dysfunction.
We understand that discussing your sexual wellness can be daunting, particularly when the situation isn’t favorable. However, erectile dysfunction is a prevalent issue, impacting approximately 30 million men in the United States alone. So, don’t hesitate to seek the treatment you deserve.
Make sure to inform your telehealth or healthcare provider about your ED symptoms. These may include:
Occasionally having difficulty getting an erection
Experiencing persistent difficulties getting an erection
Struggling to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse
Rest assured, it’s highly unlikely that you will be the first patient to discuss erectile issues with your provider — they have likely encountered and addressed these concerns numerous times with other patients.
That said, we understand that speaking about ED with a longtime doctor, especially one you know well, might feel uncomfortable. If that's the case for you, consider seeking primary care online.
Meet With a Urologist
If you prefer a more specialized approach, you can bypass your general practitioner and consult directly with a urologist.
A urologist is a physician specializing in urinary tract disorders, which include the kidneys and bladder. They are also equipped to treat male reproductive issues, including the penis, testes, scrotum, and prostate, and this encompasses ED.
You may find that discussing your sexual health with a urologist, who may be a new face for you, feels more comfortable. In some instances, a urologist may be better positioned to prescribe effective treatment options tailored to your needs.
Look for an erectile dysfunction doctor or an ED clinic nearby for an in-person consultation to secure a Cialis prescription.
Have an Online Medical Consultation
Even if your local pharmacy is just a short drive away, obtaining a Cialis prescription is entirely possible through an online medical consultation.
You can easily connect with our licensed healthcare providers from the comfort of your home or anywhere with internet access. After completing a brief questionnaire regarding your symptoms, a provider may issue you a Cialis prescription, which you will have delivered discreetly right to your doorstep.
It’s that simple.
Initiate an online consultation to receive Cialis from Hims. We also provide the generic tadalafil as well as other ED treatment options, including Viagra® (sildenafil) and our specialized chewable hard mints.
Many men opt for generic Cialis as it tends to be the more cost-effective choice. For pricing details, take a look at our tadalafil cost guide.
ED does not discriminate based on age — it’s entirely possible to face ED in your 30s or even in your 20s.
While it is true that older age increases the likelihood of experiencing ED, various health conditions that can lead to erectile issues affect men of all ages, 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 and blood pressure medications
Moreover, unhealthy lifestyle choices can exacerbate ED, including:
Smoking
Excessive drinking
Using illegal drugs
Being overweight
Leading a sedentary lifestyle
Regardless of your age, it’s important to recognize that erectile dysfunction can occur. Fortunately, Cialis has been deemed safe for men aged over 18, and research confirms that tadalafil effectively treats ED across all age groups. What a relief!
You may have come across an over-the-counter Cialis alternative, and it might seem tempting to try it. However, the reality of these so-called substitutes is that they lack FDA approval and carry inherent risks.
Some studies indicate that various supplements, like L-arginine, might alleviate ED symptoms, but the efficacy of most herbal remedies remains unsupported by solid evidence.
So if you're considering an herbal supplement that promises enhanced erectile function, you may find that it doesn’t perform as well as prescribed medications or, more commonly, it might not work at all.
Beyond wasting your time and financial resources, it’s critical to acknowledge that some over-the-counter ED products pose severe health risks, including priapism (an agonizing erection lasting four hours or longer).
In addition to the active ingredients, OTC substitutes for treating ED may contain undisclosed substances not indicated on product labels. This could lead to dangerous side effects or adverse drug interactions with any other medications you take, particularly nitrates.
The FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) maintains a database of tainted sexual enhancement products that can be accessed online; however, it’s important to know that this represents only a fraction of the total products available.
Our recommendation? Bypass the herbal alternatives and consult a healthcare professional. Obtain a prescription for Cialis or another FDA-approved ED treatment to ensure safety and efficacy.
If you struggle with achieving or maintaining erections, you want to be in optimal condition the next time intimacy arises. Cialis can be a great ally in this aspect.
With effects lasting up to 36 hours, Cialis provides a more flexible option compared to Viagra, which typically lasts around four hours. The active ingredient, tadalafil, can even aid in managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Regardless of the situation, securing a prescription from a licensed medical provider is essential.
Here’s a concise overview of what you need to know about obtaining a Cialis prescription:
You cannot get Cialis without a doctor prescription. Speak with your primary care provider, consult a urologist, or engage with a licensed provider online to get Cialis or any other prescription ED medications.
You can obtain Cialis through an online medical consultation. There’s no need to leave your home to acquire a prescription. You can connect virtually with a medical professional and receive Cialis online.
OTC Cialis substitutes present health risks. They often contain hidden active ingredients or may simply be ineffective.
If you are contemplating Cialis, you can discover how Cialis works as well as the common side effects of Cialis through our detailed guides.
Remember, if Cialis is not appropriate for you, other erectile dysfunction treatments are available. Familiarize yourself with how ED medications work to enhance your understanding of your options.
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
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Hims & Hers adheres to strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the precision and contemporaneity of our content. We base our information on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Our aim is to utilize primary sources and avoid tertiary references. Should you come across any inaccuracies, please inform us at [email protected]!