Q: I take Glucotrol, Monopril, Pravochol, and LOPID. I’m 60 years old and have had a heart bypass operation two years ago. Could any of the medications noted contribute to impotence?
Dr. Klein: Your medicines indicate that you have diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. All these conditions can cause or contribute to erection problems. Monopril, Pravachol, and Lopid all have a possible side effect of erectile dysfunction. But do not discontinue any of these medicines without your physician’s approval. In my experience, by the way, stopping these drugs may not have a major effect on your erections.