fogari R, Corradi L, Poletti L, Zoppi A, Lusardi P, Malamani GD
Sexual activity in hypertensive males treated with lisinopril or atenolol: a cross-over study
11th Scientific Meeting, American Society of Hypertension
Am J Hypert (Apr) 9:151A 1996

Newly diagnosed non-diabetic hypertensive males, age 40-49, were randomized to receive monotherapy with atenolol 100 mg or lisinopril 20 mg per day. Treatment was for 16 weeks, then the agents were crossed over for another 16 weeks. There was a 4 week placebo washout period at study onset and before crossover. Both agents had similar efficacy, but sexual dysfunction as reported by a questionnaire was greater with atenolol (17%) than with lisinopril (3%). Frequency of intercourse fell at onset of treatment with either agent, but recovered only with lisinopril.

Comment: Male sexual dysfunction (impotence, loss of libido, etc.) is a common complaint and may lead to non-compliance with treatment. This report points to the non-specific but temporary effect of BP control itself, and to the specific effects of beta blockade. One concern I had was that atenolol was used at the upper limit of its useful dose range, while the lisinopril was dosed in a mid-range level. One might expect more adverse CNS and autonomic effects from atenolol at the 100 mg level. (James A. Sondheimer MD, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI)

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11th Scientific Meeting, American Society of Hypertension
H: Drug therapy : ACE inhibitors
H: Drug therapy : Beta blockers