ED Drugs Shouldn’t Be Used By All Men – Here’s Why

Drugs for erectile dysfunction (ED) are popular, and that should not be a surprise given the great amount of advertising that is generated for these medications. However, ED drugs are not for every man who is experiencing problems with erectile function. In fact, there are several reasons not to take ED drugs, and those reasons should be understood before taking medication for erectile dysfunction.

For example, men who are taking certain medications or who have specific medical conditions should exercise caution before taking any type of ED drugs and consult their doctor.

Medication reasons not to take ED drugs

Do not to take ED drugs:

  • If you take nitrate drugs for angina, such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate, isosorbide dinitrate;
  • If you take blood thinning medications, including heparin and warfarin;
  • If you take certain types of alpha-blockers for blood pressure or an enlarged prostate, such as tamsulosin or terazosin.

Medical reasons not to take ED drugs

If you have any of the following medical conditions, you should not take ED drugs without first discussing it with your healthcare provider:

  • Severe heart disease or heart failure
  • Stroke
  • Very low blood pressure
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • A blood cell disorder such as sickle cell anemia, leukemia, or multiple myeloma
  • Hemophilia
  • A stomach ulcer
  • Retinitis pigmentosa (an inherited eye condition)

Read more in our Erectile Dysfunction Health Center.