Publication:

Possible toxic effect of antihypertensive drug olmesartan on male reproductive system of rat

Background To evaluate the possible toxic effect of a new angiotensin II receptor antagonist or blocker, olmesartan medoxomil, on the male reproductive system of rat.

Methods Twelve Sprague Dawley rats, randomly divided into two groups: treated group (n=6) and control group (n=6). Olmesartan medoxomil (5mg/kg/dose) was fed to the treated group once daily for 28 days. Sperm motility, count and morphology and pituitary gonadal hormonal levels were assessed.

Results Despite some fluctuations in sperm count, sperm motility, and concentration of testosterone, FSH and LH levels of treated group when compared to controls, the results were statistically insignificant.

Conclusions It is therefore concluded that olmesartan medoxomil did not adversely affect the male reproductive health of treated rats.