Amiodarone-associated epididymitis: drug-related epididymitis in the absence of infection

An atypical epididymitis syndrome developed in 6 of 56 men (11 per cent) treated with amiodarone, an effective new anti-arrhythmic agent. Of the 6 patients 5 (87 per cent) had bilateral epididymal enlargement and pain. The mean dosage in the patients with epididymitis was 700 mg. per day compared to 377 mg. per day in all patients (p less than 0.01). No infectious etiology was implicated in any patient. Temporary discontinuation or decrease in dosage is recommended for patients who suffer noninfectious epididymitis while on amiodarone therapy.