Amiodarone is an anti-arrhythmic drug which can accumulate and cause problems in a number of organs, including the testis.
Metabolites include desethylamiodarone.
Effects of amiodarone on the testis and semen:
(1) brown discoloration of the semen, which may be related to the concentration of desethylamiodarone
(2) accumulations of pigmented macrophages (secondary to lysosomal inclusion bodies)
(3) variable elevation of serum FSH and LH, with or without testicular atrophy
(4) epididymitis
Adverse effects amiodarone tend to be seen in patients with high lifetime doses, reflecting prolonged and/or high daily doses.
It is uncertain if there is any adverse effect on fertility following prolonged therapy. It may be necessary to monitor semen quality in a man who wants children and who has been on prolonged amiodarone therapy.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
