Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the haematological alterations following the administration of carbamazepine (CBZ) and/or phenytoin (PHE). Forty apparently, healthy male adult Wistar rats weighing between 144 and 300 g were used for the experiment. They were divided into four groups of 10 animals each. Rats in group I (controls) were given distilled water at the dose of 2 ml/kg and they served as untreated controls. Rats in groups II, III and IV were given CBZ (20 mg/kg), PHE (100 mg/kg) and CBZ + PHE (20 and 100 mg/kg), respectively. All treatments were administered orally by gavage. The regimens were given once daily for a period of eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for the evaluation of total erythrocyte (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and platelet counts. Also, total and differential leucocyte counts were evaluated using standard laboratory procedures. There was no significant (P > 0.05) change in the value of the PCV, Hb and platelets but the RBC decreased (P < 0.01) in the CBZ-treated group. There were increases in lymphocytes (P < 0.05) and neutrophils (P < 0.01) in rats treated with CBZ. In conclusion, the administration of CBZ caused alterations in haematological parameters, the changes observed in the other treatment groups which are PHE and CBZ + PHE are not statistically significant. Haematological parameters should be strictly monitored regularly in individuals administered with CBZ and/or PHE. If there are persistent alterations, the administration of the drugs should be discontinued.

Key words: Carbamazepine, phenytoin, rats, oral administration, 8 weeks, haematological parameters.