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Can Anti Hypertensive Drugs Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Question: My USG shows that both kidneys have mild cortical irregularity on both kidneys. Rest all parameters in full abdomen and pelvis USG is normal and serum creatinine is 0.8 mg/dl (normal range per lab is 0.6 to 1.4 mg/dl). Blood sugar F/P is 96/124. I was diagnosed with high bp (220/110) 1 yr back and now my BP is around 135/85 and i am taking regularly Metoprolol, prazocin and nifedipine. Now i am having the problem of ED. Is this due to anti hypertensive drugs? My urologist has prescribed me Tazzle (tadalafil) 10 mg once a week. Please advise whether ED is due to anti-hypertensive drugs, should I change my antihypertensive drugs or should i use any other anti hypertensive drugs?
Brief Answer:
yes they may be culprit but be careful!
Detailed Answer:
Dear sir
Most of the classes of drugs used in hypertension can cause ED. Out of the three drugs, metoprolol is most commonly implicated but anyone of these can be associated with ED. However the incidence of ED with these drugs is low and all possible causes should be considered before implicating drugs as the cause. High BP (hypertension) itself has been associated with ED. Most common cause of ED is psychological stress. Any generalized physical illness can be associated with ED.
I would recommend you to visit to your physician or internist and get yourself completely evaluated. If no other reason is found, especially psychological stress, one may think of withdrawing the drugs one by one and looking at the effect. However it is not recommended that you stop any of these drugs on your own.
Feel free to discuss further.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
yes they may be culprit but be careful!
Detailed Answer:
Dear sir
Most of the classes of drugs used in hypertension can cause ED. Out of the three drugs, metoprolol is most commonly implicated but anyone of these can be associated with ED. However the incidence of ED with these drugs is low and all possible causes should be considered before implicating drugs as the cause. High BP (hypertension) itself has been associated with ED. Most common cause of ED is psychological stress. Any generalized physical illness can be associated with ED.
I would recommend you to visit to your physician or internist and get yourself completely evaluated. If no other reason is found, especially psychological stress, one may think of withdrawing the drugs one by one and looking at the effect. However it is not recommended that you stop any of these drugs on your own.
Feel free to discuss further.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dear Doctor,
Thank you for your quick reply. My ultrasonography is normal except for kidneys. the report for kidney says "Both the kidneys are normal in size. No focal lesion / no calculi or hydronephrosis is noted. Mild cortical irregularity is seen in both kidneys. right kidney measures 9.7 x 4.1 cms. Left kidney measures 10.2 x 4.3 cms. Impression: Mild cortical irregularity seen in both kidneys.
My question: Is my kidneys normal or anything to worry? What precautions i should take? Should i consult the physician and take his further advice? Please advice.
With kind regards,
XXXXXXX
Thank you for your quick reply. My ultrasonography is normal except for kidneys. the report for kidney says "Both the kidneys are normal in size. No focal lesion / no calculi or hydronephrosis is noted. Mild cortical irregularity is seen in both kidneys. right kidney measures 9.7 x 4.1 cms. Left kidney measures 10.2 x 4.3 cms. Impression: Mild cortical irregularity seen in both kidneys.
My question: Is my kidneys normal or anything to worry? What precautions i should take? Should i consult the physician and take his further advice? Please advice.
With kind regards,
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Please see details.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir
The clinical meaning of MILD CORTICAL IRREGULARITY means that there is some scar formation in cortical part of kidney. These scars may be formed as a final result of injury from many causes. These include repeated infections, obstruction, reflux, very high blood pressure etc. However your kidney size is normal, creatinine level is normal, there is no obstruction & congenital reflux normally damages kidney by this age. So current status is satisfactory.
You need to be careful about occurrence of infections. If you ever had burning micturition/ repeated urination (increased frequency) along with fever, then it indicates urinary tract infection. Drinking large amount of water is very simple preventive measure to avoid urinary tract infections.
You also need to be watchful about this irregularity and get a repeat ultrasound after sometime, say after 3-6 months to see if it is static or progressive. You must keep your BP levels under control. Also get your sugar levels checked at least once in a year. Avoid taking pain killers on your own. All common pain killers (non-opioids) are potentially toxic to kidneys except paracetamole.
Instead of a physician, I would recommend a consultation with a nephrologist on non-urgent basis to get more insights into the issue.
Feel free to discuss further.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
Please see details.
Detailed Answer:
Dear Sir
The clinical meaning of MILD CORTICAL IRREGULARITY means that there is some scar formation in cortical part of kidney. These scars may be formed as a final result of injury from many causes. These include repeated infections, obstruction, reflux, very high blood pressure etc. However your kidney size is normal, creatinine level is normal, there is no obstruction & congenital reflux normally damages kidney by this age. So current status is satisfactory.
You need to be careful about occurrence of infections. If you ever had burning micturition/ repeated urination (increased frequency) along with fever, then it indicates urinary tract infection. Drinking large amount of water is very simple preventive measure to avoid urinary tract infections.
You also need to be watchful about this irregularity and get a repeat ultrasound after sometime, say after 3-6 months to see if it is static or progressive. You must keep your BP levels under control. Also get your sugar levels checked at least once in a year. Avoid taking pain killers on your own. All common pain killers (non-opioids) are potentially toxic to kidneys except paracetamole.
Instead of a physician, I would recommend a consultation with a nephrologist on non-urgent basis to get more insights into the issue.
Feel free to discuss further.
Sincerely
Sukhvinder
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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