{"id":627004,"date":"2024-02-27T09:30:27","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T14:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627004"},"modified":"2024-11-20T14:55:02","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T19:55:02","slug":"best-blood-pressure-medication-for-erectile-dysfunction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-blood-pressure-medication-for-erectile-dysfunction\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the best blood pressure medications for erectile dysfunction?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You might not know that ED (erectile dysfunction) is associated with other health issues\u2014like <\/span>high blood pressure<\/span><\/a> (also known as hypertension). In a <\/span>SingleCare survey<\/span><\/a>, high blood pressure was reported or believed to be the most common physical cause of ED. High blood pressure medications can sometimes alleviate erectile dysfunction by reducing stress on the blood vessels and allowing more normal blood flow. However, certain prescriptions, like beta blockers and diuretics, can even make arousal more difficult. Learn which blood pressure medications can help heat things up in the bedroom and which will cool them down.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Best blood pressure medications for erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/h2>\n

Taking blood pressure drugs isn\u2019t the same as taking <\/span>Viagra<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>sildenafil citrate<\/span><\/a>) or <\/span>other medicines used for the management of erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/a>. But if you are prescribed the following <\/span>blood pressure medicines<\/span><\/a>, you may see improved hypertension as well as improved symptoms of ED.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors<\/span><\/h3>\n

ACE inhibitors<\/span><\/a>, such as Zestril (<\/span>lisinopril<\/span><\/a>) and Lotensin (<\/span>benazepril<\/span><\/a>), are <\/span>associated with improvement<\/span><\/a> in ED. They work by reducing the heart’s workload and stimulating nitric oxide production, contributing to good erectile function.<\/span><\/p>\n

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)<\/span><\/h3>\n

ARBs<\/span><\/a>, such as Diovan (<\/span>valsartan<\/span><\/a>), work by reducing the action of the hormone angiotensin II. When angiotensin is activated, it causes blood vessels to contract and increases salt and water retention in the body, both of which can increase blood pressure. Angiotensin II is also present in penile blood vessels, meaning that ARBs <\/span>can improve erectile function<\/span><\/a> by opening blood vessels and increasing blood flow in the penis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alpha blockers<\/span><\/h3>\n

Alpha-1 blockers<\/span><\/a> don\u2019t exacerbate ED as much as other antihypertensives. In other words, they <\/span>can be a good alternative<\/span><\/a> if you are experiencing ED with your current treatment. In fact, <\/span>clinical trials<\/span><\/a> demonstrate that alpha-1 blockers can improve erectile function, but not to the point at which they can be used as an ED treatment without hypertension. Cardura (<\/span>doxazocin<\/span><\/a>) is an example of an alpha-1 blocker used to lower blood pressure and treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition that causes the enlargement of the prostate and contributes to ED.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vasodilators<\/span><\/h3>\n

Vasodilators<\/span><\/a> widen blood vessels to enhance blood flow to the heart and other body parts, which can improve blood pressure control. However, some vasodilators, such as <\/span>certain nitrates<\/span><\/a>, like nitroglycerin, can pose risks when combined with ED medications like Viagra or Cialis and may lead to a severe drop in blood pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Interestingly, other vasodilators have shown potential in treating ED without high blood pressure by improving blood supply to the penis and improving erections. <\/span>Alprostadil<\/span><\/a> is an injectable vasodilator specifically used for treating erectile dysfunction. It operates by <\/span>relaxing the muscles and expanding the blood vessels<\/span><\/a> in the penis, which helps to maintain sufficient blood flow and enables an erection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

PDE-5 inhibitors<\/span><\/h3>\n

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors<\/span><\/a> such as <\/span>Viagra<\/span><\/a> (sildenafil) and <\/span>Cialis<\/span><\/a> (tadalafil) can be used to treat <\/span>pulmonary hypertension<\/span><\/a>. However, a notable side effect of theirs\u2014which accounts for their use in sexual dysfunction medicine\u2014is harder, longer-lasting erections.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPDE-5 inhibitors are first-line pharmacotherapy for ED,\u201d says <\/span>Raj Dasgupta, MD<\/span><\/a>, a pulmonologist and Associate Program Director of Internal Medicine Residency at Huntington Memorial Hospital. \u201cThey enhance blood flow to the penis by increasing the vasodilatory effects of endogenous nitric oxide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Blood pressure medications that increase the risk of ED<\/span><\/h2>\n

Erectile dysfunction can <\/span>stem from various factors<\/span><\/a>, including health conditions, psychological issues, lifestyle habits, and medications. In fact, drug therapy is estimated to cause <\/span>25% of all cases of ED<\/span><\/a>\u2014including certain blood pressure medications. Luckily, this effect is reversible when you stop the medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Certain blood pressure medications, particularly beta blockers and diuretics, can negatively affect erectile function by decreasing blood flow or interfering with nerve impulses to the penis,” explains <\/span>Steven Malen<\/span><\/a>, Pharm.D., a clinical educator at Town and Country Compounding Pharmacy in Ramsay, New Jersey. If you notice difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection after taking one of the following medications, talk to your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beta blockers<\/span><\/h3>\n

Beta blockers<\/span><\/a> are commonly prescribed for cardiovascular conditions, high blood pressure, and sometimes for anxiety disorders. They work by <\/span>blocking the effects of adrenaline<\/span><\/a>, a stress hormone that slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. However, they can also impact erectile function by reducing libido and preventing the muscles in the penis from relaxing sufficiently to allow blood to pass through.<\/span><\/p>\n

Specific beta blockers<\/span><\/a> linked to a higher risk of ED include bisoprolol, atenolol, metoprolol, and carvedilol. Some newer beta blockers, however, may have less of an effect on ED. \u201cNebivolol is a beta blocker option recommended to avoid ED because of its lower risk of ED compared with other beta blockers,\u201d Dr. Dasgupta explains.<\/span><\/p>\n

Diuretics<\/span><\/h3>\n

Thiazide diuretics<\/span><\/a>, often referred to as water pills, are used to treat high blood pressure and edema (swelling). While effective for these conditions, thiazide diuretics <\/span>can lead to ED<\/span><\/a>, particularly at high doses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“Adverse effects of thiazide diuretics on male sexual function, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and difficult ejaculation, have been reported in several studies,” says Dr. Dasgupta. \u201cBut the exact mechanisms behind why this happens are still unclear.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can ED from high blood pressure be reversed?<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re otherwise healthy, ED caused by high blood pressure can usually be reversed with treatment for hypertension or changing medications if ED is a side effect of your blood pressure treatment. Additionally, you can implement the following lifestyle changes and ED treatments:<\/span><\/p>\n