Felodipine and Impotence

There are a number of side effects that can occur with the use of felodipine (Plendil). Impotence is a side effect that was reported in 0.5 to 1.5 percent of men taking the drug during clinical studies. If you are taking felodipine and impotence becomes a problem, make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about possible treatment options.

 

Felodipine and Impotence: An Overview

Felodipine (Plendil®) is a prescription medication known as a calcium channel blocker. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). Just like any other medication, there are potential side effects with felodipine. As is common with many high blood pressure medications, impotence may be one of these side effects.
 
In clinical studies, between 0.5 and 1.5 percent of men reported problems with impotence.
 

What Is Impotence?

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 firm enough for sexual intercourse. Impotence is also known as erectile dysfunction (or ED for short).
 

Felodipine and Impotence -- What Should You Do?

It is impossible for your healthcare provider to know whether you will develop impotence while taking felodipine.
 It may also be difficult to know whether impotence is caused by the medication alone or other problems.
 
If you are taking felodipine and impotence becomes a problem, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, he or she may also recommend that you take an erectile dysfunction medicine, adjust your felodipine dosage, or try another blood pressure medication.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;