What Is Over-The-Counter Viagra?

If you take a prescription drug for erectile dysfunction (ED), you'll want to do everything you can to make sure it's doing its job.

How and when to take the medications

Ginkgo Biloba, popularly known as ginkgo, is a plant rich in antioxidants. According to a systematic review, ginkgo may potentially support sexual processes by increasing blood flow to the genitals, producing nitric oxide, relaxing smooth muscles, and triggering the erectile effects of prostaglandin. However, the review concluded that “ginkgo biloba has limited positive effects on sexual function” with the quality of evidence judged as being low due to the poor nature of studies, small sample size, and other limitations. Yohimbe has been traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. According to a 2021 systematic review of eight studies, yohimbine (a component in yohimbe) alone had no significant effects on sexual function but may be beneficial when combined with other supplements.

Force Factor SCORE! XXL, Nitric Oxide Booster for Men with L-Citrulline, Horny Goat Weed & Tribulus for Libido, Stamina & Energy, 30 Tablets (3 Pack) $28.49 31.7 ¢/count

However, it may cause side effects such as irregular heartbeat, blood pressure problems, heart attacks, anxiety, stomach problems, and seizures. In 2023, the FDA approved the OTC sale of Eroxon, a topical vigora spray gel for the treatment of ED. The product is applied to the penis to assist with erectile function. With a SingleCare discount card, a 4-pack of Eroxon gel may cost only $30. It is important to always seek medical advice from a healthcare professional before using any of these prescription or OTC medications. Take a few minutes to learn how to get the most out of your medication. It will pay off later in the bedroom.

• Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of heart disease.
• The penile arteries are smaller; blockages show there first.
• Seeing a cardiologist may be advised for new-onset ED in some men.
• Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol is crucial for ED and heart health.
• A Mediterranean diet benefits both cardiovascular and sexual health.
• Regular aerobic exercise improves circulation to all organs, including genitals.

Sometimes eating a big meal right after you take an ED drug may not always be the best idea.

• Over-the-counter options claim to enhance erectile function without prescriptions.
• Some herbal supplements are marketed as ED remedies available OTC.
• Popular OTC ingredients include L-arginine, ginseng, and horny goat weed.
• Effectiveness of OTC ED pills varies; scientific support is often limited.
• Always check for FDA approval or safety certification before buying OTC ED products.
• Many OTC ED pills are classified as dietary supplements, not medications.
• Precautions: OTC products may interact with prescription medications.
• The quality and dosage of ingredients in OTC ED pills can differ widely.
• Use caution: OTC ED pills are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.
• Consult a healthcare professional before trying OTC erectile dysfunction supplements.

If you swallow sildenafil with a high-fat meal, such as a steak dinner, it may take longer for it to work. You can take other ED drugs with or without food, such as: While ED drugs work in similar ways, they're each made up of different chemicals. This can affect how they work, how much time they take to kick in, and the different side effects that you may have.

Talk to your doctor about any health problems you have and other medications that you take. It will help your doctor find the ED drug that should work best for you. For most ED drugs, you need to wait a while before you can expect them to start working.

Viagra and Levitra take about 30 minutes to work, and the effects last for about 4 hours after you take the pill.

Viagra OTC substitutes

I often prescribe Cialis to my patients who want more sexual freedom and spontaneity,” Dr. Carter says. “Stendra is a more selective PDE5 inhibitor than Viagra. I often prescribe it to my patients who want more spontaneity and fewer side effects compared to Viagra,” Dr. Carter says.

Quit smoking

I often prescribe it to my patients who have been dissatisfied with their response to Viagra,” Dr. Carter says. Alprostadil is a vasodilator that can be injected into the penile shaft or used as a suppository, which is inserted into the urethra. The inconvenience of its dosing mechanism may make it a less popular option. Viagra OTC substitutes include dietary supplements and herbal remedies.

Vacuum erectile device

These supplements are not approved by the FDA. “In my opinion, patients should exercise caution when considering natural supplements as substitutes for Viagra. I tell my patients that many over-the-counter products marketed for erectile dysfunction are unregulated and may contain undisclosed prescription drugs or harmful ingredients,” says Jason B. Carter, board-certified urologist and medical adviser at Aeroflow Urology. Hence, it is always important to check with your healthcare provider before using OTC Viagra substitutes. You should take Cialis at least 2 hours before you plan to have sex. The effects may last for up to 36 hours after you take it. If the amount of medicine you use now doesn't help you get an erection, you may need to take a bigger dose. But don't do this on your own.

Should I Get Surgery for Erectile Dysfunction?

Using DHEA over a long period or at high doses may be associated with cancer, and short-term use at low doses may lead to side effects such as acne, insomnia, mood changes, headache, and stomach upset. Ginseng is a popular herb used for various purposes in East Asian countries. Its active ingredient, ginsenosides, may help produce nitric oxide. In a systematic review evaluating the effects of ginseng on men with mild to moderate difficulty with erections, people taking ginseng reported improvement in their ability to have sexual intercourse, although they did not experience sexual satisfaction. The systematic review also reported “trivial effect on erectile function” compared to a placebo and with little to no side effects.

ED drugs are not safe for all men.

Carnitine is an amino acid produced by the liver, brain, and kidneys, and also obtained from animal protein. “Propionyl-L-carnitine is a derivative of L-carnitine that has been studied for its potential vascular and metabolic benefits. Research suggests it may improve blood flow and enhance nitric oxide activity, which is important for erections,” Dr. Carter says. “Some studies have shown that, when used in combination with PDE5 inhibitors, it may enhance their effectiveness, especially in men with diabetes or following prostate cancer surgery.

Online vs. Physical Pharmacy

While it is not a stand-alone treatment, it can be a helpful adjunct therapy in select patients, particularly those with vascular-related erectile dysfunction,” Dr Carter explains. A natural compound called icariin (ICA), found in horny goat weed may boost nitric oxide production, as documented in animal studies. Honey goat weed may be safe when used for a short period. Using it in high doses or over a long period may lead to side effects such as severe breathing problems. Additionally, due to blood pressure-lowering effects, it should not be taken with supplements that produce the same response, such as casein peptides, L-arginine, and niacin. Talk to your doctor to see if an increase in medication is right for you.

• Peyronie's disease (penile curvature) can cause painful erections/ED.
• Treating Peyronie's may require prescription medication or surgery.
• Low-intensity shockwave therapy is an emerging treatment for vascular ED.
• Penile implants are a surgical option for severe, treatment-resistant ED.
• Vacuum erection devices are non-invasive, FDA-cleared OTC medical devices.
• Constriction rings (cock rings) can help maintain an erection.

You can't take an ED drug and expect to get an erection right away.

4. Ginseng

“I believe it is imperative that men who have erectile dysfunction get evaluated by a physician,” says Philip Werthman, MD, board-certified urologist and director of the Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Vasectomy Reversal in Los Angeles, CA. “I believe men who take over-the-counter supplements miss the opportunity to see a healthcare provider that can diagnose and prevent a more serious disease process that can be cardiovascular, hormonal, or neurologic in nature,” Dr. Werthman says. Determining the root cause of erectile dysfunction can have positive implications for long-term health. Finding and reversing problems like hypertension or low testosterone, which can manifest as erectile dysfunction, has the potential to be highly beneficial.

(5 Pack) Erectimax Capsules, Erectimax Pills for Daily High Drive, Erectimax Reviews (300 Capsules) $59.95

L-arginine is an amino acid produced by the body and also present in dietary proteins. L-arginine is referred to as a physiological substrate for nitric oxide (NO)—a compound known to relax smooth muscles and widen blood vessels in the penis. A study found that people on 1,500 to 5,000 pills for men mg of L-arginine supplement experienced improvement in erectile dysfunction compared to the placebo group. L-arginine supplements stand out because of their natural occurrence, bioavailability when taken orally, and tolerability when used for a long time. However, they may cause side effects, including decreased blood pressure, nausea, and vomiting.

Introducing the First FDA-Cleared Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction (ED).

Also, people with renal problems may experience increased blood urea nitrogen levels, and the supplement may trigger abdominal cramps and bloating in people with cystic fibrosis. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a prohormone produced in the adrenal glands, ovaries, testes, and brain. In target tissues, DHEA is converted into sex hormones such as androstenedione and testosterone. A 2018 review article published in the World Journal of Men’s Health noted that decreased secretion of DHEA may be a risk factor for erectile dysfunction. But, it also suggested that there is no solid evidence to support that DHEA helps with erections or that it is safe to use, especially over a long time. The medications boost the effects of a chemical your body makes called nitric oxide, which relaxes the muscles in your penis.

7. Propionyl L-Carnitine

Depending on your medical history, they will recommend the best and safest option for you. Recreational use of erectile dysfunction medications in undergraduate men in the United States: Characteristics and associated risk factors, National Library of Medicine (2010) Is recreational use of sildenafil a new trend?, Ann Med Surg (2022) The potential role of arginine supplements on erectile dysfunction, The Journal of Sexual Medicine (2019) L-arginine and erectile dysfunction, Journal of Psychosexual Health (2019) Dehydroepiandrosterone and erectile function: A review, World Journal of Men’s Health (2018) Dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction: A natural treatment for erectile dysfunction, Mayo Clinic (2024) Ginseng for erectile dysfunction, Cochrane Library (2021) Erectogenic and neurotrophic effects of icariin, a purified extract of Epimedium species, PubMed Central (2012) A systematic review of clinical trials on Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and sexual dysfunction, Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine (2021) Yohimbe, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Yohimbine as a treatment for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Turkish Journal of Urology (2021) FDA approves new over-the-counter gel for erectile dysfunction, Harvard Health (2023) Jason B. Carter, board-certified urologist and Medical Advisor at Aeroflow Urology Philip Werthman, MD, board-certified urologist and director of the Center for Male Reproductive Medicine and Vasectomy Reversal in Los Angeles, CA Medically accurate: SingleCare’s Medical Review Board analyzes all of our content to confirm it’s in line with current medical advice. Evidence-based: Our content is sourced from reputable U.S.-based healthcare professionals and peer-reviewed research. Trustworthy: All of SingleCare’s content goes through a multi-phase review process by our writers, editors, and Medical Board in order to provide clear and credible information.