Sexual dysfunction due to antihypertensive agents.

A review of sexual dysfunction due to antihypertensive agents is presented. Sexual dysfunction is a relatively common complication of antihypertensive drug therapy and has been associated with nearly all of the antihypertensive agents. The physiology of the normal sexual response, proposed mechanisms of sexual dysfunction, and the types of disorders and relative incidence rates associated with individual agents are discussed. Since a disturbance in sexual function may lead to poor compliance with the drug regimen, it is important that the clinician be familiar with this topic. Information on the detection of antihypertensive-agent-induced sexual dysfunction, patient counseling, and therapeutic alternatives, should a disorder in sexual function occur, also is provided.