Talk:Nifedipine

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[edit] Male Contraceptive Effects

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Nifedipine and other calcium-channel blockers may interfere with the normal development of sperm, potentially reducing the fertility of men who take it. It has been studied by at least one researcher as a potential reversible male contraceptive, [1] however, it is not being actively pursued as a contraceptive by any major pharmaceutical companies, possibly because of perceptions that publicizing its contraceptive effects would negatively impact sales as a blood-pressure medication, or because an expired patent and the availability of inexpensive generics makes research into new uses an unappealing financial prospect.[2]

At least one case of possible Nifedipine-induced infertility has been reported in the literature. [3].

Couples who are having difficulty conceiving should consult their doctor if the man is taking nifedipine.

The apparent contraceptive mechanism is an inhibition of the normal mannose lectin coating of the spermatozoa's outer membrane; this coating is necessary for correct binding with the egg. This may be caused when a greater-than-normal amount of cholesterol is integrated into the membrane, stiffening the membrane and preventing normal outward migration of mannose from the interior.^[1][2]

This is completely disproportionate to the rest of the article. One researcher pushing it and one case report on infertility make this too obscure for a general encyclopedia. JFW | T@lk 22:54, 10 October 2006 (UTC)