Beta-blockers are a common treatment for high blood pressure, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease. These medications work by blocking beta-adrenoceptors, which affects your heart rate, how strongly your heart contracts, and the release of renin.
Unfortunately, beta-blockers can cause side effects, and one of them is sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED). This can have a huge impact on your quality of life and make it harder to stick to your medication regimen.
Bisoprolol and nebivolol are both highly selective β1-adrenoceptor antagonists, meaning they target a specific type of receptor. Nebivolol has an added benefit: it helps your blood vessels widen through enhanced nitric oxide (NO) release.
So, which is better when it comes to ED? Are you less likely to experience erectile dysfunction with nebivolol vs bisoprolol? This article explores the potential for each of these medications to cause ED. We’ll also review their pharmacological properties and what the research says.