Amlodipine medications are used for managing hypertension or high blood pressure. Hypertension is a chronic condition that causes the blood to flow aggressively through the vascular passages under high pressure on a persistent basis. The constant pressure exerted on the walls of the blood vessels injures them and impacts their function. This condition potentiates the risk of atherosclerosis, which is the hardening and constriction of the blood vessels, heart damage, kidney dysfunction, and even stroke. But amlodipine medications help in keeping blood pressure under control, thereby reducing the health risk.
Sexual difficulty like erectile dysfunction is a dependent cause of some chronic health conditions like hypertension, cardiovascular dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorder, and Peyronie’s disease. Hypertension contributes to impotence issues, as it impairs vascular function. But amlodipine helps in lowering blood pressure by slowing down the flow of blood. Does amlodipine contribute to erectile dysfunction, by decreasing the flow of blood to the penile? Keep reading to find out.
Amlodipine usage
Amlodipine medications are used to treat high blood pressure. Along with that, these medications also treat chest pain or angina and diseases related to the coronary arteries. This medication is categorized under calcium channel blocker drugs, which are responsible for preventing calcium from moving into the cells of the heart as well as arteries. They work by causing vasodilation and widening of the vascular passages, which helps in boosting the blood supply to the heart, thereby reducing blood pressure. In this way, amlodipine aids in lowering high blood pressure.
Medications
These medications come in the form of conventional tablets. One has to use them as per the doctor’s prescription. Also, it is necessary to follow the instructions that are listed on the prescription label. The dose has to be taken as per the doctor’s recommendations, do not take more than the necessary dose, otherwise, it might lead to unwanted side effects.
Erectile dysfunction: Causes and treatment
An individual has trouble with their erection function owing to the lack of adequate blood flow to the penile. These difficulties with sexual function usually stem from the narrowing and constricting of the blood vessels that are present in the penile. The narrowing of the vascular passages hinders the blood supply and deprives the penile organ of nutrients.
This vasoconstriction can be attributed to some enzymatic action taking place in the cells of the walls of blood vessels, that inhibits the release of the chemical called nitric oxide in the walls of penile blood vessels. The blood supply gets blocked throughout the penile shaft, which contributes to the impairment of erectile function. Nitric oxide is a vital chemical that is essential for healthy vascular function, but its deprivation leads to erectile dysfunction.
What makes them preferable?
There are several options available that can be beneficial for improving the erection response. The best-preferred option for treating this impotence difficulty is prescription medications. Prescription medications such as Viagra and Cialis are the most preferred medications. Their FDA approval does. These drugs are approved by the FDA and are also clinically proven to be safe and reliable for treating erectile dysfunction. However, these drugs are very expensive and therefore, cannot be affordable for everyone. But there are some generic options for these drugs. Malegra is a sildenafil generic, which has similar effects as Viagra drugs. These drugs can be bought at a reasonable price.
Does amlodipine lead to erectile dysfunction?
There is no conclusive research or study that can firmly state the medications amlodipine can cause erectile dysfunction in males. Few researchers claim that the medication is a calcium channel blocker, which can contribute to erectile dysfunction in hypertensive males, while other researchers state that amlodipine can improve erection function. Some studies observed neutral results. Therefore, whether amlodipine contributes to erectile dysfunction or not, is unclear.
Is it safe to use amlodipine with ED medications?
In a study published in the American Journal of Hypertension website, it is stated that ED medications, specifically Viagra is safe to be consumed alongside amlodipine medications. Their combination might not produce severe side effects, and their interaction can be safe. Although, their combination might cause a drop in blood pressure, but not severe.
However, even if the study revealed that their combination is safe, one still needs to consult their healthcare provider for guidance. The condition might not apply to everyone. Rather than using such medications in combination, it is necessary to ask the expert, otherwise, it might potentiate the risk of hypotension, which can have detrimental health effects.
The lowdown
Amlodipine improves the issues of hypertension and protects the heart by negating calcium from entering the cellular levels of the heart and arteries. These medications are also prescribed during chest pain or angina. They may or may not cause erectile dysfunction, as studies are yet to get a clear picture of that. But one thing is certain, one must never use these drugs without a doctor’s guidance and prescription.
