Altered Epididymal Biochemistry, Sperm Count and Motility after Ciprofloxacin Treatment in Male Albino Rats

Ciprofloxacin, a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug was screened for its probable toxicity on male accessory sex organ, the epididymis, at different doses (250 mg and 400 mg/60 kg bwt/day respectively, for seven consecutive days). The drug had caused an increase in body weight and organ weights but it had lowered in sperm count, sperm motility as well as the activities of steroidogenic enzymes were also adversely affected. The above adverse changes in epididymal function indicate the toxic effect of ciprofloxacin. Drug withdrawal for 14 days in high dose groups could not reverse the adverse biochemical changes suggesting the permanent effect of the drug.