This leads to an increase in blood flow, which may help some individuals improve erectile function.
Erectile Dysfunction
ED is the inability to get and maintain an erection.
This article looks at what the current research says about losartan and ED.
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It also explains the mechanism by which this popular anti-hypertensive drug might help.
What Is Losartan?
(Sexual dysfunction was broadly defined as having decreased libido, ED, and poor sexual satisfaction.)
Both groups were given a 50- to 100-milligram (mg) daily dose of losartan for 12 weeks.
No such changes were reported in assigned males who didn’t originally report sexual concerns.
These mechanisms work together to engorge the penis with blood by widening (dilating) blood vessels servicing thepenis.
By doing the same in the blood vessels of the penis, blood flow may be improved.
This, in turn, can improve the quality and duration of erections.
One of losartan’s “positive” side effects (and other ARBs) is its effects on moods.
Among the studies investigating ARBs in treating ED, mild giddiness was one of the more common side effects.
While many of the findings have been positive, the results overall remain mixed.
In addition to losartan, valsartan and telmisartan were also included.
The researcher found that the use of ARBs translated to improvements in sexual activity, particularly with valsartan.
The same was not seen for ED.
This doesn’t mean that losartan or other ARBs may not benefit people with ED.
What this suggests is that further quality studies are needed.
On the plus side, ARBs are unlikely to cause any harm to people with hypertension who have ED.
ARBs are far less likely to do so.
With that said, the evidence supporting the use of losartan in treating hypertension-related ED is limited.
Some studies suggest that the drug may not help at all.
Even so, losartan may help boost mood and libido in some people, almost invariably enhancing sexual function.
Unless there are reasons why you could’t take ARBs, switching may be possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can take four to six weeks for losartan to lower blood pressure.
Common side effects of losartan include headache, cough, heart palpitations, dizziness, and stomach pain.
Speak with your healthcare provider about any other drugs you are taking before starting losartan.
