Dermatological medication effects on male fertility - Abstract

Many drugs have been reported to impair semen parameters, leading to temporary or persistent infertility.

Therefore, potential fathers may be concerned about the effect of medications on fertility. We searched the MEDLINE database of articles in English combining key terms including "male infertility," "spermatogenesis," "fertility," "drug effects," and "dermatology." Administration of methotrexate and finasteride has resulted in severe oligospermia and reversible infertility. Ketoconazole has had negative effects on sperm motility and testosterone production. Few individual case reports and a limited number of studies have demonstrated negative effects of tetracyclines, erythromycin, chloroquine, glucocorticoids, spironolactone, and antihistamines on fertility. It is important to counsel male patients when appropriate about the reversible negative effect on fertility when taking methotrexate and finasteride, and the adverse effect of ketoconazole. Patients may be reassured that taking oral retinoids, cyclosporine, azathioprine, and tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors should not affect their fertility.

Written by:
Millsop JW, Heller MM, Eliason MJ, Murase JE.   Are you the author?
Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California; Department of Dermatology, Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group, Mountain View, California.

Reference: Dermatol Ther. 2013 Jul;26(4):337-46.
doi: 10.1111/dth.12069


PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23914891

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