From the Research
Effects of Nebivolol on Erectile Function
- Nebivolol, a third-generation β-blocker, may have a positive effect on erectile function due to its vasodilating properties, as evidenced by a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials 1.
- The meta-analysis found that the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 score was significantly higher in the nebivolol group compared to the metoprolol group, indicating improved erectile function 1.
- A study comparing nebivolol with other beta blockers found that nebivolol may offer an advantage over other beta blockers in patients with hypertension and erectile dysfunction, with survey scores showing significant improvement in erectile function with nebivolol in two out of four studies 2.
Comparison with Other Beta Blockers
- A study comparing nebivolol with metoprolol found that nebivolol improved secondary sexual activity scores and other IIEF subscores, while metoprolol significantly decreased the IIEF erectile function subscore 3.
- Another study found that nebivolol maintained sexual activity in previously untreated hypertensive men, whereas atenolol-based treatment significantly decreased sexual activity 4.
- Switching from beta-blockers to nebivolol was found to have a beneficial effect on erectile function in hypertensive patients, with 69% of patients exhibiting significant improvement in erectile function score after 3 months of nebivolol administration 5.
Mechanism of Action
- The beneficial effect of nebivolol on erectile function is thought to be due to its nitric oxide-mediated vasodilating activity, which may counteract the detrimental effect of beta-blockade on penile erection 3, 4, 5.
- The increased release of nitric oxide associated with nebivolol may allow for the maintenance of sexual activity in hypertensive men, whereas other beta blockers may decrease sexual activity 4.