Effect of semen sampling frequency on seminal antiretroviral drug concentration

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2008 Jun;83(6):848-56. doi: 10.1038/sj.clpt.6100356. Epub 2007 Oct 3.

Abstract

Study of male genital tract (MGT) pharmacology is relevant to the treatment of prostatitis, prostate cancer, infertility, and seminal human immunodeficiency virus transmission. However, the time course of drug concentrations in the MGT is largely unknown. To determine the feasibility of frequent semen sampling in assessing the pharmacokinetics of the MGT, we administered efavirenz, indinavir, and zidovudine to subjects to achieve steady-state levels and then collected semen samples at sequentially decreasing ejaculation intervals. The volume of seminal plasma decreased from 4.0 (1.2-5.1) ml (median with range) at 48 h after the baseline ejaculation to 0.72 (0.45-1.6) ml 1 h after a previous ejaculation, which was still adequate for drug concentration assessment. The seminal fructose concentration also decreased. However, the concentration of prostate-specific antigen and all three drugs did not decrease, even if the ejaculation intervals decreased to 1 h. Thus, semi-intensive semen sampling can be used to assess MGT pharmacokinetics.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / pharmacokinetics*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / methods
  • Cohort Studies
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Semen / drug effects
  • Semen / metabolism*
  • Seminal Vesicles / drug effects
  • Seminal Vesicles / metabolism*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents