Abstract

The influence of gentamicin and erythromycin on glucose excursion after oral glucose loads was evaluated in twelve New Zealand rabbits, weighting between 1278 and 1861 g. The rabbits were randomized into three equal groups and were given either 5 mg/kg of Gentamicin i.m., 50 mg/kg of Erythromycin per oral or 0.9% Saline. One hour later, all the rabbits were given 2.5 g/kg of glucose per oral in 5 mls of 0.9% saline. Blood glucose levels were determined just before oral glucose loads, then every 1 h for 4 h, using commercial glucometer. Gentamicin pre-treatment significantly increased the peak glucose level (1 h) and significantly reduced the half-life of the rise in glucose level compared to controls. On the other hand, erythromycin pre-treatment caused significant increase in the glucose levels at 3 and 4 h while the peak glucose level (1 h) was not significantly different. The perturbation of glycemic response to glucose load revealed by both drugs may be clinically important in persons undergoing screening for glycemia and patients under care.
 
 Key words: Gentamicin, erythromycin, glucose, insulin, rabbits, kinetics, prandial.