Antihypertensive Drugs and Erectile Dysfunction as Seen in Spontaneous Reports, With Focus on Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers

Taking antihypertensive drugs may put a man at risk of developing erectile dysfunction.

 Drugs belonging to the class of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB), such as losartan, valsartan, and candesartan, are among the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications. This study examined the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with the use of angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers and other antihypertensive medications. Researchers reviewed data from a total of 225 cases of erectile dysfunction, with 59 of the cases suspecting exposure to antihypertensive drugs as the cause of erectile dysfunction in the patients. 

The research team noticed that the use of all classes of antihypertensive medications, including angiotensin II receptor blockers, promoted the occurrence of erectile dysfunction. This study provides further evidence supporting the hypothesis that antihypertensive drugs may facilitate the onset of erectile dysfunction.