Drugs (Prescription and OTC) Linked to Erectile Dysfunction

ED isn’t easy for many men to talk about.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) means you can’t get or keep an erection that’s firm enough to have sex.

For most men, ED is caused by health problems such as heart disease, depression, insomnia, and diabetes, or the medicationsthat treat them. These conditions make it tough to get an erection in any circumstance.

If you are having problems achieving or maintaining an erection you may want to take a look at your medicine cabinet first. There are a number of prescription and over-the-counter drugs that may cause erectile dysfunction. While these drugs may treat a disease or condition, they can also affect a man’s hormones, nerves, or blood circulation, resulting in ED or increase the risk of ED.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs that may cause ED are listed below. The list of possible offenders is long, so check with your doctor regarding medications you are taking to rule out any as a cause of, or contributor to, ED.

TYPE OF DRUG

GENERIC AND BRAND NAMES

Diuretics and high blood pressure drugs

Hydrochlorothiazide

Benazepril (Lotensin)
Chlorthalidone (Chlorthalidone, Thalitone)
Triamterene (Dyrenium)
Furosemide (Lasix)
Bumetanide
Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex)
Methyldopa
Clonidine (Catapres)
Verapamil (Calan, Verelan)
Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia)
Hydralazine
Captopril
Enalapril (Epaned, Vasotec)
Metoprolol (Lopressor)
Propranolol (Hemangeol, Inderal LA)
Labetalol (Normodyne)
Atenolol (Tenormin)
Phenoxybenzamine
Spironolactone (Aldactone)