Procardia XL and Impotence

There are several side effects of Procardia XL, and impotence appears to occur in 1 to 3 percent of men taking the medication. If you are taking Procardia XL and impotence becomes a problem, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may recommend an erectile dysfunction medication, adjust your dose of Procardia XL, or suggest another blood pressure or angina medication.

 

Procardia XL and Impotence: An Overview

Procardia XL® (nifedipine) is a prescription medication known as a calcium channel blocker. It is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and chest pain (angina). Like most medicines, there are possible side effects that can occur. Impotence may be one of these side effects.
 
In studies, impotence was reported in 1 to 3 percent of men taking Procardia XL.
 

What Is Impotence?

Impotence is usually defined as a total inability to achieve an erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Ultimately, impotence is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Impotence is also known as erectile dysfunction (or ED for short).
 

Procardia XL and Impotence -- What Should You Do?

It is impossible for your healthcare provider to know whether you will develop impotence while taking Procardia XL.
 It may also be difficult to know whether impotence is caused by the medication alone or by other factors.
 
If you are taking Procardia XL and impotence becomes a problem, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, he or she may recommend an erectile dysfunction medicine, adjust your Procardia XL dosage, or suggest another angina or blood pressure medication.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;