Table 1.
Medications and their respective effects on both male and female reproductive function
| Medication | Effect on reproductive function |
|---|---|
|
Anabolic Steroids |
Impairment of spermatogenesis (up to one year recovery); may cause hypogonadism through pituitary–gonadal axis |
| Reversible | |
|
Antiandrogens: |
Impairment of spermatogenesis; erectile dysfunction |
| Cyproterone acetate, danazol, finasteride, ketoconazole, spironolactone |
Reversible |
|
Antibiotics: |
Impairment of spermatogenesis |
| Ampicillin, cephalotin, cotrimoxazole, gentamycin, neomycin, nitrofurantoin, Penicillin G, spiramycin |
Reversible |
|
Antibiotics: |
Impairment of sperm motility |
| Cotrimoxazole, dicloxacillin, erythromycin, lincomycin, neomycin, nitrofurantoin, quinolones, tetracycline, tylosin | |
| Reversible | |
|
Antiepiletics: |
Impairment of sperm motility |
| Phenytoin |
Reversible |
|
Antihypertensives: |
Fertilization failure |
| Calcium channel blockers (nifedipine) | |
|
Antihypertensives: |
Erectile dysfunction |
| Alpha agonists (clonidine), alpha blockers (prazocin), beta blockers, hydralazine, methyldopa, thiazide diuretics | |
|
Anti-inflammatory 5-ASA and derivatives: |
Impairment of spermatogenesis and sperm motility |
| Mesalazine, sulfasalazine |
Reversible |
|
Antimalarials: |
Impairment of sperm motility |
| Quinine and its derivatives |
Reversible |
|
Antimetabolites ⁄ Antimitotics: |
Arrest of spermatogenesis; azoospermia |
| Irreversible | |
| Colchicines, cyclophosphamide | |
|
Anti-oestrogens |
Impairment of endometrial development |
| Clomiphene citrate |
reversible |
|
Anti-progestins: |
Impairment of both implantation and tubal function |
| Emergency contraceptive pills, progesterone-only pills | |
|
Antipsychotics: |
Increase prolactin concentrations that can lead to sexual dysfunction |
| Alpha blockers, phenothiazine, antidepressants (particularly SSRIs) | |
|
Antipsychotics: |
Impairment of spermatogenesis and sperm motility |
| Butyrophenones |
Reversible |
|
Antischistozomal: |
Impairment of spermatogenesis and sperm motility |
| Niridazole |
Reversible |
|
Corticosteroids |
Impairment of sperm concentration and motility |
| Reversible | |
|
Exogenous testosterone, GnRH analogues |
Impairment of spermatogenesis |
| Reversible | |
|
H2 blockers: |
Increase prolactin concentrations that can lead to impairment of luteal function, loss of libido, and erectile dysfunction |
| Cimetidine, ranitidine | |
|
Local anaesthetics, halothane |
Impair sperm motility |
|
Metoclopramide |
Erectile dysfunction |
|
Methadone |
Suppress spermatogenesis and sperm motility |
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Cox-2 inhibitors | Impairment of follicle rupture, ovulation, and tubal function |
| Reversible |