Drug reference
gossypol
Nonsteroidal male contraceptive · Male Contraceptive
Nonsteroidal male contraceptiveMale Contraceptive
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
X
FDA category + note
Mechanism
It causes suppression of spermatogenesis and reduces sperm motility—infertility develops after a couple of months. The mechanism of action is uncertain; probably involves direct toxicity on seminiferous epithelium.
Indications
Male contraception (investigational)
Pharmacokinetics
Bioavailability
effective orally
Side effects
Common
Hypokalaemia (due to renal loss of K+)Muscular weaknessEdemaDiarrhoeaBreathlessnessNeuritis
Serious
- Muscular paralysis (attendant to hypokalaemia)
Pregnancy & lactation
Pregnancy
X
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Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team