The Connection Between Lisinopril and ED

June 22, 2021

4 mins

Erectile dysfunction can happen for a number of reasons, and it can be frustrating to pinpoint precisely why it's happening.

But in most cases, finding out the cause of your ED can be the most important step in treating it.

Resolving these through lifestyle changes or medications is often the most effective path to eliminating the symptoms of ED.

While there are many very effective treatments for erectile dysfunction, they aren't always the right solution for your situation, and resolving ED is sometimes as simple as eliminating another prescription medication. 

One medication that may have a connection to erectile dysfunction is lisinopril. 

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What is Lisinopril?

Lisinopril is a prescription medication that's primarily prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart failure. When used correctly, it can help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and even kidney problems. 

Lisinopril is of the class of drugs known as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These medications work to decrease the effects of chemicals released by the body that tighten or constrict blood vessels. By keeping blood vessels relaxed, blood is able to flow through the vascular system normally, and the heart can pump more effectively with less strain. 

While lisinopril can help to control conditions associated with high blood pressure, it's not a permanent cure. Further intervention is often necessary to lower blood pressure in the long term.

How is Lisinopril Taken? 

Lisinopril is an oral medication available either as a tablet or as a liquid solution. Generally, it's taken once daily with or without food. When using a liquid form, it’s important to use an oral syringe to get the correct dose. Taking too much (or not enough) can have a severe impact on its effectiveness and your chances of experiencing side effects. 

Tablets are prescribed in either 10 mg or 20 mg doses. Typically dosages begin low and are increased if needed.

It’s important to take your medication consistently, as it may take two to four weeks for lisinopril to take full effect. 

Lisinopril can be prescribed to adults or children six years or older. Some of the most common brand names for lisinopril are Zestoretic, Prinivil, Zestril, and Qberlis. 

What are the Side Effects of Lisinopril? 

As is the case with most prescription medications, side effects are possible when taking lisinopril. The most common side effects are typically not serious and resolve on their own. These mild side effects include:

• Cough

• Diarrhea

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Headaches

• Lightheadedness

• Low blood pressure

• Nausea

• Psoriasis

• Rash

• Runny rose

• Sneezing

• Tiredness 

• Vomiting

In the event that the following side effects occur, it may be wise to consult your doctor as soon as possible or seek medical attention if the conditions worsen rapidly. More serious side effects that may result from taking lisinopril include:

• Chest pain

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

• Fainting

• Fever or chills

• Muscle weakness

• Slow or irregular heartbeat

• Sore throat or hoarseness 

• Swelling in face, throat, or tongue

• Yellowing in skin or eyes

Can Lisinopril Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Technically, experiencing erectile dysfunction as a result of taking lisinopril is possible.

However, this occurs consistently in very few patients. In fact, lisinopril works in a similar way to most erectile dysfunction medications, and it’s possible that taking lisinopril might even improve erectile function. 

Erectile dysfunction medications primarily help to boost the effects of endogenous vasodilating mechanisms in the penis, causing blood vessels to relax and expand in order to increase the flow of blood.

This is similar to the function that lisinopril plays in the body. 

While there is little research into lisinopril and its relation to sexual function, one study supports that it may improve sexual function rather than impede it. 

A group of 90 men suffering from high blood pressure – all between the ages of 40 and 49 – were involved in one research study comparing the effects of high blood pressure medications, (including lisinopril) could have on sexual function. Over the course of 12 weeks, men were given a daily dose of either 100 milligrams of atenolol, 20 milligrams of lisinopril, or a placebo.

During the first few weeks of treatment, both groups receiving the medications experienced an overall decline in sexual activities. 

However, after this initial period, the group taking lisinopril returned to normal function much sooner than the group taking atenolol. Additionally, the group taking atenolol experienced symptoms of sexual dysfunction at a rate of 17% versus only 3% for the group taking lisinopril. 

The researchers attribute the initial decline in sexual interaction to the psychological effects of hypertension diagnosis and first treatment. They concluded that the "low incidence of sexual dysfunction with ACE inhibitors was probably due to the fact that these drugs work through channels other than the sympathetic nervous system in lowering [blood pressure]."

What Does Cause Erectile Dysfunction? 

While it seems that the connection between lisinopril, ACE inhibitors, and erectile dysfunction is slim at best, there are many potential causes of erectile dysfunction. 

In general, conditions that negatively impact the strength of blood flow or volume will have a negative impact on erections. The most common physical issues that are connected to erectile dysfunction are high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. 

For every underlying condition or "co-morbidity", your risk of developing erectile dysfunction increases. However, erectile dysfunction is not just a physical condition. Stress, anxiety, and depression are also commonly linked to sexual dysfunctions as well. Lifestyle choices can have a big impact, too, including smoking, alcohol abuse, and recreational drug use.

How Can You Treat Erectile Dysfunction? 

Depending on the cause of your erectile dysfunction, the most effective treatments can vary. For issues relating to mental health, treatment may involve counseling or therapy. When it comes to physical causes, great options for treating erectile dysfunction exist. 

Oral Medications 

The most popular ED treatments are prescription medications like Viagra® (sildenafil) and Cialis® (tadalafil). By expanding blood vessels and relaxing muscle tissue, they improve blood flow to and in the penis and help to create a firm erection.  

These oral tablets are most often prescribed to be taken as needed, and the effects generally last a few hours (up to 36 in the case of Cialis). However, due to potential negative interactions with other medications like nitrates prescribed for high blood pressure, some people might not be able to safely take them.

Is Erectile Dysfunction Preventable? 

Making active changes in your lifestyle practices is the most effective way you can reduce your risk factors for ED. Some of these include:

• Losing weight: Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for developing ED, and improving diet and exercise to maintain a healthy weight can aid in fighting the risk of developing ED.

• Exercising more: Just like the biceps and hamstrings, the heart is a muscle. Cardio exercise can help to improve cardiovascular strength and function to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. 

• Stop smoking: Tobacco has several negative effects on the body and can be especially damaging to the circulatory system. Nicotine is a known vasoconstrictor, and the chemicals in cigarettes can weaken and strain the heart and lungs, reducing their ability to pump blood.

How Rex MD Can Help

While lisinopril can technically lead to erectile dysfunction, it’s uncommon. 

Lisinopril works to lower blood pressure in somewhat the same way that Viagra® and Cialis® work to increase erectile function. Improving cardiovascular function typically improves the symptoms of ED, and lisinopril does not commonly cause ED as a result.

Looking for ED answers? A Rex MD clinician may be able to help. Click here to get started with an online consultation.