Is one possible side effect of patients taking Micardis E.D. .....?
Taking Cardizem (Diltiazem) (not for hypertention, or angina) but for rt. control as my heart is in atrial flutter has resulted in my experiencing complete E.D.
May switching to Micardis achieve what Cardizem 360 mg q.d.) is achieving (reducing my resting ht. rt. from 126 down to resting62) without the adverse action I'm experiencing of complete E.D....?
(Please) don't ask me to consult my cardiologist. I'v alredy did that X4. They don't have a clue. I'm a retired cardiologist, & would appreciate your comments....
michael dario, md,
Thanks for your question.
ED (erectile dysfunction) is not a common side effect of cardizem and other calcium channel blocking drugs. As you know, any drug can cause any symptom in any patient at any time, so this is still a possibility. As you know, many drugs manifest their side effects for a few weeks, and then as your system adjusts, many side effects improve, sometimes back to normal.
Micardis is an Angiotensin II blocking agent (ARB) which has low risk of causing ED, and in some cases is used to treat ED. However, using Micardis will not have the same effect on your pulse rate that the cardizem, as ARBs rarely affect pulse rate.
My suggestions are to give it a few more weeks and if there is no improvement, then discuss changing this medication with your doctors. I would consider another calcium channel blocker. Unfortunately, the most effective drugs to slow heartbeat are the beta blockers, which have a high risk of affective sexual function. But many patients take this drug without any problems. This might have to be a trial and error process to find the best drug for you.
I hope this has been helpful. Best wishes and feel better.
Martin Cane, M.D.
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