Who Shouldn't Take Erectile Dysfunction Drugs? Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Erectile Dysfunction Who Shouldn' t Take Erectile Dysfunction Drugs Erectile dysfunction drugs are effective for many men – but they aren't for everyone. Find out if they're safe for you. By Chris Iliades, MDMedically Reviewed by Pat F. Bass III, MD, MPHReviewed: October 12, 2011Medically ReviewedSince the introduction of Viagra — the first drug approved to treat erectile dysfunction — in 1998, the little blue pill has helped transform the sex lives and relationships of many of the 30 million American men with ED. ED drugs (which now also include Levitra and Cialis) work by relaxing smooth muscle cells to improve the flow of blood into the penis. And for most men, they are safe and effective. But ED drugs also come with a number of side effects — and for men with certain health conditions, they can be dangerous. Should You Be Popping the Little Blue Pill? Since ED drugs affect blood vessels in other areas of the body (and not just the penis), they can be dangerous when combined with other medications or if you have certain medical conditions. You should think twice about taking ED drugs if:You take certain medications. Dangerous drops in blood pressure can occur in men who are taking nitroglycerin for chest pain or tamsulosin hydrochloride (Flomax) for an enlarged prostate, warns John S. Wheeler, MD, a urology professor at the Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University in Chicago. Combine nitrate-based drugs like nitroglycerin with ED drugs, and you could have a dangerous mix. Other drugs called alpha-blockers, which are used to treat prostate enlargement or high blood pressure, may have a similar affect when combined with ED drugs.You’re at risk for heart attack or stroke. Because ED drugs can cause arteries to widen in the heart and the brain, as well as the penis, they could be especially dangerous if you have had a stroke, heart attack, or heart rhythm problem in the past six months.You have these health conditions. Caution is also urged for any man who has a history of congestive heart failure, unstable angina, low blood pressure, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Can you be too old for ED drugs? "There are no absolute age limits for ED drug use,” says Dr. Wheeler. “As long as a man is sexually active, could benefit from an ED drug, and is healthy enough for sex, these drugs can be prescribed.” And what about women experiencing sexual dysfunction — should they take ED drugs? While studies show that ED drugs may improve blood flow to the vagina, which can increase vaginal secretions, these drugs are rarely used to treat female sexual dysfunction. Common Erectile Dysfunction Drug Side Effects to Consider No matter which ED drug your doctor prescribes, side effects may include:HeadacheMuscle achesHeartburnDiarrheaVisual changesHearing lossFacial flushingNasal congestionLong-lasting erection If you are having any of these side effects, you should let your doctor know. Specially, if you have an erection that won't go away, or any visual or hearing problems, let your doctor know immediately. Other Ways to Treat Erectile Dysfunction Doctors usually start with the simplest and safest treatments for erectile dysfunction — in fact, they may suggest lifestyle changes before trying medication. Consider these other treatment options:Make lifestyle changes. Quitting smoking, cutting back on alcohol, getting regular exercise, and losing weight have all been shown to help with erectile dysfunction.Seek psychological help. In about 20 percent of ED cases, the source is psychological: Anxiety, depression, and relationship issues may all contribute to erectile dysfunction. Working with a mental health provider may help.Try injectable medications. If oral drugs do not work, other drugs may be injected or inserted into the penis (causing an erection within minutes). Although they have been shown to be very effective, they may come with a certain amount of discomfort.Use a vacuum pump. A pump can be placed over the penis and used to draw blood into the penis to cause an erection. An elastic ring at the base of the penis can be used to maintain the erection for up to 30 minutes.Consider surgery. Surgical procedures used to treat erectile dysfunction include implants and reconstruction of blood vessels in the penis. Surgery is usually the last resort — but it can be an effective solution for some. Always discuss treating erectile dysfunction with your doctor before trying any ED drug — or other treatment — on your own. NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Men' s Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. 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