Can lisinopril cause erectile dysfunction
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Can Lisinopril Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Introduction to Lisinopril and Erectile Dysfunction
Lisinopril is a commonly prescribed antihypertensive medication used to manage high blood pressure and heart failure. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that affects many men, particularly those with underlying health issues such as hypertension. Understanding whether lisinopril contributes to ED is crucial for patients and healthcare providers.
Research Findings on Lisinopril and Erectile Dysfunction
Long-term Risk Assessment
A comprehensive study aimed to determine the long-term risks associated with various antihypertensive drugs, including lisinopril, over an 18-year period. The study found no statistically significant difference in the risk of erectile dysfunction among men taking lisinopril compared to those taking other antihypertensive medications like chlorthalidone and amlodipine1. This suggests that lisinopril does not inherently increase the risk of ED more than other common blood pressure medications.
Comparative Studies with Other Antihypertensives
Another study compared the effects of lisinopril and valsartan on the use of sildenafil, a medication used to treat ED, in hypertensive men. The study concluded that while both drugs effectively lowered blood pressure, only valsartan was associated with a significant increase in the use of sildenafil, indicating a potential improvement in sexual desire. This implies that while lisinopril does not worsen ED, it may not enhance sexual function as valsartan does2.
Case Reports and Individual Variability
A case report highlighted a unique instance where a patient experienced profound erectile dysfunction after starting over-the-counter omeprazole, despite being on a stable dose of lisinopril. The patient's erectile function normalized after discontinuing omeprazole, suggesting that factors other than lisinopril, such as other medications, can influence ED3. This underscores the importance of considering the entire medication regimen and individual patient responses when evaluating ED.
Conclusion
Current research indicates that lisinopril does not significantly increase the risk of erectile dysfunction compared to other antihypertensive medications. While it may not enhance sexual function like some other drugs, it is not a primary cause of ED. Patients experiencing ED should consider other potential factors, including additional medications and overall health status, and discuss these with their healthcare provider.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The 18-year risk of cancer, angioedema, insomnia, depression, and erectile dysfunction in association with antihypertensive drugs: post-trial analyses from ALLHAT–Medicare linked data
Lisinopril has a higher risk of angioedema over 18 years, while amlodipine and chlorthalidone have similar risks, while erectile dysfunction risk remains unchanged.
Observational StudyP-10: Different effect of valsartan and lisinopril on sildenafil use in hypertensive men with erectile dysfunction
Valsartan treatment significantly increases sildenafil use in impotent hypertensive men, suggesting Angiotensin II antagonism increases sexual desire.
RCTAbrupt-onset, profound erectile dysfunction in a healthy young man after initiating over-the-counter omeprazole: a case report
Proton pump inhibitors may cause erectile dysfunction in healthy young patients and contribute to erectile dysfunction in older patients.
Case ReportEFFECT OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE THERAPY ON METABOLIC PROFILE AND ERECTILE FUNCTION IN HYPERTENSIVE MEN WITH HIGH CARDIOVASCULAR RISK: FOCUS ON THE COMBINATION OF LISINOPRIL AND AMLODIPINE
The combination of lisinopril and amlodipine significantly reduced blood pressure in hypertensive men with high cardiovascular risk without affecting plasma lipid profile, glucose, and uric acid levels or erectile function.
Non-RCTSexual function in hypertensive males treated with lisinopril or atenolol: a cross-over study.
Atenolol causes a chronic worsening of sexual activity, while lisinopril causes only a temporary decline in sexual activity in hypertensive males.
RCT
Highly CitedErectile and Ejaculatory Dysfunction Associated with Use of Psychotropic Drugs: A Systematic Review.
Psychotropic drugs, particularly SNRIs, can cause male sexual dysfunction, with a primary role in increased prolactin levels.
Systematic ReviewLisinopril dose-response relationship in essential hypertension.
Lisinopril effectively reduces diastolic blood pressure in essential hypertension patients, with doses up to 80 mg daily being well-tolerated and well-tolerated.
RCTEffect of the ACE inhibitor lisinopril on mortality in diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction: data from the GISSI-3 study.
Early treatment with lisinopril in diabetic patients with acute MI is associated with a decreased 6-week mortality.
RCT
Large Human TrialHighly CitedLisinopril-Mediated Regression of Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients With Hypertensive Heart Disease
Lisinopril can regress myocardial fibrosis and improve LV diastolic function in patients with hypertensive heart disease, regardless of left ventricular hypertrophy regression.
RCTHighly CitedLiraglutide Ameliorates Erectile Dysfunction via Regulating Oxidative Stress, the RhoA/ROCK Pathway and Autophagy in Diabetes Mellitus
Liraglutide improves erectile dysfunction in diabetic rats by regulating smooth muscle dysfunction, oxidative stress, and autophagy, without affecting glucose levels.
RCT
Animal Study