Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (1986) 17,267-268 Leading article

Testicnlar atrophy in animals—an effect of methyKbrotetrazole-containing antibiotics Methylthiotctrazole (MTQ-containing anti-biotics, including cefamandole, latamoxcf, and cefopcrazone, have, in humans, previously been associated with two side effects which are directly related to the pharmacological activity of the M i l group, namely, hypoprothrombi-naemia (Smith & Lipsky, 1983) and a dis-ulfiram effect (Buening & Wold, 1982). The finding of an additional side effect of MTT on testicular function in animals (Anon., 1984) gives cause to review what is known about these antibiotics, and the bearing of this on the new observations