The effect of labetalol and propranolol on the pressor response to sexual arousal in women.

Abstract

1 The effect of a single oral dose of labetalol (100 mg), propranolol (80 mg) and placebo on the pressor response to sexual autostimulation has been studied in six female volunteers. 2 Labetalol but not propranolol significantly reduced the increase in blood pressure that occurred at orgasm. 3 The subjective features of the sexual response were assessed by each subject using visual analogue scales. 4 Subjects reported a significant reduction in vaginal lubrication with labetalol compared to both placebo and propranolol. 5 No other effects were noted.

Ephedrine-Activated Physiological Sexual Arousal in Women

“…Few studies have examined the effects of peripherally acting adrenergic agonists and antagonists on sexual function in women. Riley and Riley 4 compared the effects on the pressor response to sexual arousal induced by masturbation of single oral doses of propranolol (80 mg) and labetalol (100 mg), 2 adrenergic antagonists, with placebo control. Labetalol, but not propranolol, significantly decreased the increase in blood pressure that occurred at orgasm, and significantly decreased subjective reports of vaginal lubrication.…”

A method for monitoring drug effects on male sexual response: the effect of single dose labetalol.

“…The rare instances of impotencẽ reported during treatment with labetalol are unlikely to be due to a direct pharmacological effect. A more likely explanation is decreased blood flow to the erectile tissue secondary to the combined effect of pelvic vascular insufficiency and labetalol induced inhibition of the pressor response induced by sexual arousal (Riley & Riley, 1980). It must be accepted that subjects who volunteer to participate in laboratory studies on sexual response may not be representative of the general population.…”

Are blood pressure surges associated with sympathetic stimulation aggravated by beta-adrenoceptor antagonist treatment?

“…Another study utilizing automated blood pressure recording, also noted pressor responses during autostimulated sexual arousal in female volunteers (Riley & Riley, 1981). Pretreatment ofthe latter with labetolol but not propranolol, was associated with a statistically significant reduction in pressor response.…”