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. [Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol 2013; 2(1.000): 83-88]