Abstract

Evaluation of repeated administration of ivermectin and albendazole separately and in combination on some hepatic and renal function indices were examined in albino rats (Rattus novergicus). The experimental animals were randomly divided into four groups: those administered distilled water (control), those administered 0.4 mg/kg bodyweight of ivermectin (Iver), those administered 15 mg/kg body weight of albendazole (Alb) and those administered the two drugs concurrently (Iver+Alb). The animals were administered, the drugs daily for fifteen days after which venous blood, liver and kidney were collected. The separate administration of ivermectin and albendazole significantly elevated (P<0.05) the concentrations of serum potassium and bicarbonate ions. Also, their co-administration caused a significant elevation (P<0.05) of serum phosphate ion concentration. Administration of ivermectin and/or albendazole led to significant increase (P<0.05) in serum urea, creatinine, glucose and cholesterol concentrations while albumin was significantly reduced (P<0.05). Generally, activities of ALP, ACP, LDH, AST, ALT, Na⁺-K⁺ATPase and Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺ ATPase of  liver and kidney were significantly altered (P<0.05). These observations may be suggestive of deranged membrane structures and functions. Thus the combined administration of the two drugs may be exerting more deleterious effects on both renal and hepatic functions than when administered individually.

Key words: Ivermectin, albendazole, liver function, kidney function.