Features of drug-associated erectile dysfunction:
(1) potentially reversible
(2) may be able to temporally associate the onset of erectile dysfunction with a particular event (although this may be masked in a person with multiple comorbid conditions)
(3) may have a previous history of adequate sexual functioning prior to that event
Drugs associated with erectile dysfunction:
(1) beta-blockers
(2) diuretics
(3) antihypertensive medications
(4) sedatives
(5) antidepressants
(6) calcium channel blockers
(7) alcohol and recreational drugs (narcotics, cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana, barbiturates, etc.)
(8) hormonal therapy, including anabolic steroids
The physician should review a patient's medications and look for specific drugs or possible drug-drug interactions that may contribute to the erectile dysfunction. A drug or dose that may be causative can be changed, but this may take patience in a patient on a multiple drug regimen.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) ED related to the underlying condition being treated
(2) herbal or alternative therapy
