Influence of chloroquine and sulfadoxine on biochemical and hematological indices in albino rats

The influence of chloroquine base drugs, sulfadoxine and their combination on biochemical and hematological indices was studied for five days in adult Rattus novergicus of mean weight 150.5±0.5g using standard procedures. At p<0.05, there was significant increase in activity of transaminases in the serum and liver of groups administered chloroquine base drugs (CS, CP) and their combination with sulfadoxine (CS+SP, CP+SP). The activity of serum and liver GOT was significantly unchanged in sulfadoxine administered groups (SP) while activity of serum and liver ALP was significantly decreased when compared to saline given group (control). The GOT/GPT ratios obtained were generally less than 1 indicating intact liver cells integrity. Drugs effects on total bilirubin and albumin were of no statistical significance while sulfadoxine significantly increased creatinine level. The tested drugs induced significant increase in hemoglobin, PCV, WBC, neutrophil and lymphocytes levels in experimental rats. Decreased body weights and crenated red blood cells were observed in CS and CP administered groups. The functional observational battery and locomotor signs observed in drugs administered groups include weakness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, nose bleeds, decreased body weight, swollen gum and anorexia. Single therapy of chloroquine base drugs (CS and CP) particularly CS showed more toxic effects on biochemical and hematological indices in administered rats than other tested drugs, sulfadoxine was also observed to suppress the functional activity of chloroquine base in their combination in this study. The idiosyncratic reactions (eosinophilia and basophillia) resulting from allergic host response and other related conditions such as hemoglobinuria, polycythemia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia and lymphocytosis observed in this study may resolve over short period of time upon discontinuation of offending drugs.