The effect of salicylazosulphapyridine (sulphasalazine) on male fertility. A review

Int J Androl. 1986 Feb;9(1):38-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.1986.tb00866.x.

Abstract

Salicylazosulfapyridine (SASP), a drug used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, has been reported to depress the fertility in males. Therefore, some authors have proposed SASP as a new lead in the search for a contraceptive for men. Based on a review of the literature, our conclusion is that SASP taken in tolerable doses has not sufficient antifertility effect. Additionally, the drug has too serious and too many side effects to be accepted as a contraceptive. However, the effect on male fertility of other sulfa drugs and related compounds remains to be investigated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acrosome / drug effects
  • Animals
  • Bulbourethral Glands / drug effects
  • Chemical Phenomena
  • Chemistry
  • Contraceptive Agents, Male / administration & dosage
  • Contraceptive Agents, Male / adverse effects
  • Contraceptive Agents, Male / metabolism
  • Contraceptive Agents, Male / pharmacology*
  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Drug Interactions
  • Fertility / drug effects*
  • Folic Acid / metabolism
  • Hormones / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sulfasalazine / administration & dosage
  • Sulfasalazine / adverse effects
  • Sulfasalazine / metabolism
  • Sulfasalazine / pharmacology*
  • Testis / drug effects

Substances

  • Contraceptive Agents, Male
  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Hormones
  • Sulfasalazine
  • Folic Acid