A Guide to Non-Prescription Erectile Dysfunction Products

How you feel is normal and very common, and most importantly, it’s treatable. If psychological hang-ups are causing you grief in the bedroom — things like PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), past trauma, performance anxiety, etc.

Society and culture

While research on propionyl-L-carnitine on its own isn’t conclusive, several studies suggest it may offer benefits for erectile function when used with ED medications. For instance, one study published in the journal Current Medical Research and Opinion found that men with ED — and diabetes — showed larger improvements with propionyl-L-carnitine and sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) than with sildenafil alone. However, as noted, diabetes was a pre-existing condition for study participants. Additionally, they had already unsuccessfully tried sildenafil by itself. So there’s no way to know if these results would be replicated in a larger trial with otherwise healthy participants.

Vardenafil (The Potent Alternative)

Other supplements that may help increase blood flow and improve sexual function include: Though these remedies may have some promise, it’s important to keep in mind that they aren’t evidence-based medications — nor are they approved by the FDA to treat any type of disease. This means they haven’t been thoroughly tested for efficacy and safety like FDA-approved drugs have. The FDA says Viagra works and that dietary supplements may or may not. What are you going to do with this information? While over-the-counter alternatives to Viagra might seem appealing, you’ll get better results — and keep yourself safer — by working with a healthcare provider to find the right medication.

Best for a coated tablet: Vardenafil

If you have erectile dysfunction caused by a physical health issue, using ED medication to improve your erections might be the best option. These medications work by increasing blood flow to the penis, which can make it easier to get and maintain an erection when you’re sexually aroused. Currently, there are several safe and effective FDA-approved medications for treating ED. With a prescription from a medical professional, you can purchase oral ED drugs, such as: Most of these medications are taken as needed before sex. But tadalafil (Cialis) can be used daily to improve erectile function over the long term. Psychotherapy — like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or sex therapy — with a mental health provider can help you pinpoint your sexual sticking points and grease those bearings. There are a few potential solutions for ED we haven’t talked about yet. Vacuum erectile devices, or penis pumps, are also an option to try for those who want a non-prescription way to address ED.

• Risks include drug interactions with nitrates or certain medications.
• OTC sildenafil may have different absorption rates than prescribed forms.
• Store OTC sildenafil in a cool, dry place away from children.
• Be aware of potential side effects like headache or flushing.
• Reading reviews can help identify reputable OTC sildenafil products.

As a last resort, severe cases of ED might be treated with penile implant surgery. This option is typically suggested when other, less invasive treatments have failed.

It’s only available with a prescription.

• Sildenafil over-the-counter products are typically sold in pharmacies or online.
• They are often labeled as "fast-acting" or "premium" versions.
• Check for proper labeling and clear ingredient lists on OTC products.
• Some OTC sildenafil formulations contain additional herbal ingredients.
• Pricing varies but generally cheaper than prescription options.

You can’t get generic sildenafil over the counter, either. Needing help with ED is normal for many men these days, young and old. Unfortunately, feeling comfortable enough to seek help from a medical professional hasn’t been normalized so well. Before you get roped into the health promises of some shiny packaging at the local bodega, remember you’ve got nothing to be ashamed of. That’s what many of these dangerous products prey on, and they do it profitably. Here’s what to keep in mind about over-the-counter Viagra: Erectile dysfunction is such a widespread issue for men of all ages, so it’s no wonder there are so many prescription medications and other products out there to treat it. Erectile dysfunction is such a widespread issue for men of all ages, so it’s no wonder there are so many prescription medications and other products out there to treat it. A lot of what you see on shelves won’t work. Many Viagra over-the-counter products marketed online and sold in gas stations, sex stores, and elsewhere aren’t effective. Those OTC products could also be dangerous.

Many contain unlabeled ingredients that could be unsafe if used with other medications. As such, if you’re considering trying those gas station pills you saw for sale for just a few dollars, we urge you to reconsider. Instead of using ineffective and potentially unsafe over-the-counter alternatives, go with an affordable generic medication, like sildenafil or tadalafil. We offer these medications through an online ED consultation as part of our range of erectile dysfunction treatment options.

• Consumers should avoid buying sildenafil OTC from unverified websites.
• Some OTC sildenafil may be packaged as natural or herbal alternatives.
• Over-the-counter availability depends on the country’s drug regulations.
• OTC sildenafil is intended for occasional use, not daily therapy.
• Keep track of dosage instructions even for OTC products.

Preliminary observations on the use of propionyl-L-carnitine in combination with sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction and diabetes. Counterfeit phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors pose significant safety risks. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Can you buy Viagra or other ED meds over the counter?

There’s also a prescription injectable medication called alprostadil that’s approved by the FDA for ED. Other compounded medications for ED include BiMix, TriMix, and QuadMix. Eroxon is a recently FDA-authorized topical gel for ED that’s available over the counter. It’s rubbed on the head of the penis and stimulates nerves to cause an erection. We offer several ED medications on our online platform, following a consultation with a licensed healthcare provider.

Want more options?

This allows you to quickly and easily access discreetly packaged, FDA-approved medications for ED from home without any awkward visits to your primary care provider’s office. Aside from medication, there are plenty of non-pharmacological ways to address ED and improve sexual health. Healthcare professionals can help you identify the underlying cause of your ED and figure out the best type of treatment. Let’s take a look at each of sildenafil 45 mg chewable tablets these in detail. Making simple changes to your habits and lifestyle can improve your erections and sexual performance. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The Potential Role of Arginine Supplements on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. Treatment of erectile dysfunction with pycnogenol and L-arginine. FDA warns consumers to avoid Man Up Now capsules.

Safety First: The “Marketplace” Danger Zone

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine looked at 10 randomized controlled trials and found that arginine supplements might provide benefits for men with mild to moderate ED. Our full guide to L-arginine and erectile dysfunction goes into more detail about how L-arginine works within the body, as well as its potential effects on erectile health. Pycnogenol is a nutritional supplement derived from French maritime pine bark extract. It may offer similar benefits for erectile dysfunction. In fact, pycnogenol and L-arginine are sometimes used together in natural supplements for ED.

A Word From Verywell

A study from 2003 looked into the effects of L-arginine and pycnogenol as a combined treatment for erectile dysfunction and found they promoted improvements in sexual function after three months of use. By the end of the three-month study, 92.5 percent of participants had experienced a normal erection. These are good signs for sure, but we’re far from establishing a definitive case for pycnogenol. Yohimbe is a tree native to Central and Western Africa. Its bark contains yohimbe, an alleged traditional aphrodisiac.

Epimedium extract

Though scientific research on yohimbe and erectile dysfunction is mixed overall, some studies have found that it may offer benefits for men with sexual performance issues. For example, a recent review published in the Turkish Journal of Urology used data from eight studies. It found that yohimbine — the active ingredient in yohimbe — was associated with improved erectile function when used in combination with other treatments. But the researchers also noted that yohimbe wasn’t fully effective as a treatment for male sexual function issues when used on its own. Propionyl-L-carnitine, or PLC, is a natural supplement widely promoted for its potential to increase energy levels. Glow Industries, Inc. Issues Nationwide Recall of Mr. Magic Male Enhancer from Don Wands Amended. Public Notification: Extenze Plus contains hidden drug ingredients. Public Notification: Vimax Contains Hidden Drug Ingredient. Yohimbine as a treatment for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Dr. Kelly Brown is a board certified Urologist and fellowship trained in Andrology. She is an accomplished men’s health expert with a robust background in healthcare innovation, clinical medicine, and academic research. Dr.

Brown was previously Medical Director of a male fertility startup where she lead strategy and design of their digital health platform, an innovative education and telehealth model for delivering expert male fertility care. She completed her undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!) with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science and a Minor in Chemistry.

Frequently asked questions

You can reduce the severity of ED (or potentially stop it altogether) by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Our guide to naturally protecting your erection can walk you through strategies to get started on your own. ED isn’t all about the physical body — around 40 percent of all ED cases are psychological in origin, according to some research. Stress, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and a poor body image can all cause problems, even if there are no clear physical causes for ED present. If this feels a little overwhelming, the good news is that you’re not alone. She took a position at University of California Los Angeles as a radiologic technologist in the department of Interventional Cardiology, further solidifying her passion for medicine. She also pursued the unique opportunity to lead departmental design and operational development at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, sparking her passion for the business of healthcare. Dr. Brown then went on to obtain her doctorate in medicine from the prestigious Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine and Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, with a concentration in Healthcare Management.