Medications
A number of medications can cause gynecomastia. These include:
- Anti-androgens used to treat an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer and other conditions. Examples include flutamide, finasteride (Proscar, Propecia) and spironolactone (Aldactone, Carospir).
- Anabolic steroids and androgens, which are prescribed by doctors for certain conditions or are sometimes used illegally by athletes to build muscle and enhance performance.
- AIDS medications. Gynecomastia can develop in men who are HIV-positive and receiving a treatment regimen called highly active antiretroviral therapy. Efavirenz (Sustiva) is more commonly associated with gynecomastia than are other HIV medications.
- Anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam (Valium).
- Tricyclic antidepressants.
- Antibiotics.
- Ulcer medications, such as the over-the-counter drug cimetidine (Tagamet HB).
- Cancer treatment.
- Heart medications, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and calcium channel blockers.
- Stomach-emptying medications, such as metoclopramide (Reglan).
