Based on NIH | Can lisinopril cause erectile dysfunction, and how common is this side effect?

Yes lisinopril can be associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), but it appears to be uncommon and, compared with several other blood pressure medicines, the overall risk is considered low. Medically reviewed drug references list “decrease in sexual ability” or “impotence” among possible side effects of lisinopril, yet large reviews suggest ACE inhibitors like lisinopril are generally neutral for sexual function, especially when contrasted with thiazide diuretics and many beta‑blockers. ^{[1] [2]}

Key takeaways

• ACE inhibitors (the drug class that includes lisinopril) are generally viewed as having a neutral effect on erectile function, unlike thiazide diuretics and most beta‑blockers, which more commonly worsen ED. ^[2]
• Lisinopril’s official labeling and consumer drug information do include “decrease in sexual ability/impotence,” indicating the side effect is possible, though exact rates are not prominently quantified in those materials. This suggests the effect can occur but is not among the most frequent issues. ^{[1] [3]}

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What official drug information says

• Consumer-facing drug information for lisinopril lists “decrease in sexual ability” among side effects to monitor; these are typically effects that may occur in a small proportion of users and often improve or are manageable. ^[1]
• Professional labeling for lisinopril (and for other ACE inhibitors) includes “impotence” within reported adverse events, indicating a recognized but generally infrequent occurrence in trials and post‑marketing reports. ^[3]

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What comparative studies suggest

Systematic reviews examining blood pressure medications and sexual function indicate that:

• Thiazide diuretics and many beta‑blockers are the most likely to contribute to ED, with consistent signals across studies. ^[2]
• ACE inhibitors (including lisinopril) tend to be neutral, showing no relevant negative effect on erectile function in comparative analyses; angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) may even have favorable effects in some studies. ^[2]

In practical terms, if ED develops while taking a blood pressure medicine, clinicians often first review whether a thiazide diuretic or a non‑nebivolol beta‑blocker might be playing a role rather than an ACE inhibitor like lisinopril. This comparative pattern reinforces that lisinopril is not a leading culprit for medication‑related ED. ^[2]

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How common is it?

• Exact incidence figures for ED specifically tied to lisinopril are not consistently quantified in public-facing summaries, but the inclusion of “decrease in sexual ability/impotence” implies a possible but typically uncommon adverse effect. ^[1]
• Given class-wide data and comparative reviews, the overall likelihood with ACE inhibitors appears lower than with thiazides and many beta‑blockers. ^[2]

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Why ED can still happen on lisinopril

Even with a neutral class effect, individual responses vary. Potential contributors include:

• Underlying cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension itself, diabetes, dyslipidemia), which are major drivers of ED independent of medication.
• Psychological stress, sleep issues, alcohol, and smoking.
• Combination therapy (for example, if lisinopril is taken with a thiazide diuretic), where the non‑ACE component could be the main driver. In combination pills (e.g., lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide), the thiazide portion is the more likely contributor to ED. ^{[4] [2]}

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What to do if you notice ED on lisinopril

• Do not stop your medication on your own; blood pressure control is crucial for heart, brain, and kidney health.
• Discuss the timing of symptoms, other medications, and lifestyle factors with your clinician. If medication‑related ED is suspected, options may include dose adjustments, switching within guideline‑preferred classes (for example, to an ARB, which sometimes shows neutral or positive effects on sexual function), or adding standard ED treatments when appropriate. Because ACE inhibitors are generally neutral, your clinician may also look for other causes first. ^[2]

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Quick comparison of ED risk by blood pressure drug class

Drug class	Typical effect on erectile function	Practical note
Thiazide diuretics	More likely to worsen ED	Common contributor when present. [2]
Beta‑blockers (most)	More likely to worsen ED	Nebivolol may be an exception. [2]
ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril)	Generally neutral	ED reported but appears uncommon. [2] [1] [3]
ARBs	Neutral to possibly beneficial	Sometimes preferred if ED is a concern. [2]
Calcium channel blockers	Generally neutral	Not typically linked to ED. [2]

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Bottom line

Lisinopril can be associated with erectile dysfunction, but available evidence suggests this side effect is uncommon and ACE inhibitors overall are less likely to affect erections than thiazide diuretics and most beta‑blockers. If you experience ED while on lisinopril, it’s reasonable to consider other causes and co‑medications first and to talk with your clinician about tailored options. ^{[1] [3] [2]}