Never have I given a harder task than when doing patients' discharges, especially when explaining Beta-blockers. We need to make sure that patients understand what their medications are, its' actions in their body and their possible side effects. And betablockers to men are a taboo and need to be avoided if they can. Some patients in their out-patient check-ups were very adamant to have stopped it and blatantly refusing its' re-introduction.
Beta-blockers are prescribed as a seconday prevention for heart attack. For hypertension and fast heart rate, they are also prescribed to control them. Simplified, it relaxes the heart muscles for it to pump more efficiently.
In cardiac medicine, it's a wonder drug wherein almost all of my patients are on them..unless it's an allergy or an intolerance. For asthmatics, they're contraindicated but it's that important that we sometimes introduce still if conditions warrant its' usage...unless it worsens the patient's condition.
Beta-blockers interfere with the body's nervous system that is responsible for causing an erection, reducing the effect of epinephrine (1).
Accordingly, it dampens the excitement necessary to function. Other medications too are said to cause Erectile dysfunction, but how they produce this symptom warrants more research on your part if needing further education.
On the healthline website, they have listed these medications:
1. Diuretics ie. frusemide
2. anti-depressants ie. prozac, paxil
3. H2 blovkers ie. tagamet
4. anti-histamines ie. benadryl
5. common painkillers ie. ibuprofen, aspirin
6. Marijuana, too much alcohol
As with every medication, it is advised to get a doctor's input prior to stopping it. Some have alternatives, some have not. I find that not all patients are compliant with their medications, sometimes to their detriment. As I always tell my patients,
"If you want to get better, be a part of the team. You have to want it too."
*i am a nurse, not a doctor.
image from www.livescience.com
(1) http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/beta-blockers-erectile-dysfunction-drugs#4