Although anti-obesity drugs today seem to be one promising solution to curb the most universal problem of obesity, our optimism has been dashed with their unintended consequences that are overlooked or due to inadequate study on the unwanted effects produced on human body. The present study evaluated the effects of four weeks exposure prior to mating and two weeks during mating to schedule sacrifice of Phentermine HCl through oral gavage at dose levels 7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg on reproductive tissues and fertility of male Wistar rats. Treatment showed clinical signs and mortality at the high dose. Reduced body weight was evident with decrease in feed intake throughout the study period at 30 mg/kg. Weights of testes, epididymides, brain and accessory sex organs were found to be normal. Gross and microscopic evaluation of reproductive tissues did not produce any adverse changes up to 30 mg/kg. Sperm evaluations revealed changes in sperm count at low and mid dose and adverse effects in sperm morphology at 30 mg/kg without any adverse effects on sperm motility. In conclusion, Phentermine HCl showed parenteral toxicity in behavioral changes, reduction in body weight or decreased weight gain and food consumption, mortality. Based on above reproductive assessments Phentermine HCl did not impair the fertility of male Wistar rats.
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