A 33-year-old male has been taking bendroflumethiazide 5 mg daily for peripheral oedema for the past month and reports a side effect.

A 33-year-old male has been taking bendroflumethiazide 5 mg daily for peripheral oedema for the past month and reports a side effect.

• A. Erectile dysfunction
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hyponatremia

Answer: (A)

Thiazide diuretics like bendroflumethiazide can cause a range of adverse effects, including electrolyte disturbances and sexual dysfunction. Among the possible side effects, erectile dysfunction is something a patient is likely to notice and report as a bothersome symptom, especially in a young man for whom sexual function is important. While low potassium, low sodium, and impaired glucose tolerance (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hyperglycemia) are well-recognized metabolic effects of thiazides, these abnormalities are often detected through lab tests or present with more nonspecific signs rather than a single clear symptom the patient would spontaneously report. If erectile dysfunction occurs, it’s important to evaluate the situation by confirming the timing with starting the diuretic, checking for other contributing factors (psychological stress, vascular risk factors, other medications), and reassessing electrolytes and glucose. Depending on the context, adjustments might be considered, such as dose modification or switching to an alternative antihypertensive or edema-management strategy, while still ensuring edema control. Addressing the symptom openly can help determine whether the medication is contributing and what options best maintain both symptom control and quality of life.

Thiazide diuretics like bendroflumethiazide can cause a range of adverse effects, including electrolyte disturbances and sexual dysfunction. Among the possible side effects, erectile dysfunction is something a patient is likely to notice and report as a bothersome symptom, especially in a young man for whom sexual function is important. While low potassium, low sodium, and impaired glucose tolerance (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hyperglycemia) are well-recognized metabolic effects of thiazides, these abnormalities are often detected through lab tests or present with more nonspecific signs rather than a single clear symptom the patient would spontaneously report.

If erectile dysfunction occurs, it’s important to evaluate the situation by confirming the timing with starting the diuretic, checking for other contributing factors (psychological stress, vascular risk factors, other medications), and reassessing electrolytes and glucose. Depending on the context, adjustments might be considered, such as dose modification or switching to an alternative antihypertensive or edema-management strategy, while still ensuring edema control. Addressing the symptom openly can help determine whether the medication is contributing and what options best maintain both symptom control and quality of life.