Will Cardizem Cause Impotence?
Cardizem® (
diltiazem hydrochloride) is a prescription medication known as a
calcium channel blocker. It is used to treat chest pain (known medically as
angina). Like most medicines, side effects can occur with the use of Cardizem, and
impotence may be one of them. In studies, impotence was reported in less than 1 percent of men taking the drug.
Impotence is usually defined as a total inability to achieve an erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Ultimately, impotence is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse. Impotence is also known as
erectile dysfunction (or
ED for short).
Cardizem and Impotence: What Should You Do?
It is impossible for your healthcare provider to know if you will develop impotence while taking Cardizem.
It may also be difficult to know whether impotence is caused by the medication itself or other factors.
If you are taking Cardizem and impotence becomes a problem, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may be able to recommend treatment options. Depending on how severe your symptoms are, your healthcare provider may also recommend that you take an erectile dysfunction medicine, adjust your
Cardizem dosage, or try another angina medication.
