Abstract

Artemether is an ante malaria that has proved rapidly effective. It has replaced chloroquine and quinine is many parts of the world. This is an experimental study designed to examine the effects or artemether on oestrous cycle of lower primates since this drug is highly consumed by females in child bearing age. Twenty four cyclic female rats were randomly divided into three groups A, B and C all administered 10 mg/kg body weight of rat for 24, 48 and 96 h, respectively intramuscularly. Estrous cycles were established by vagina smears taken daily and smears examined under the light microscope. Results of this study show prolongation of various phases of the oestrous cycle in many of the rats. This was however reversible and dose dependent. It was concluded that arthemeter treatment altered estrous cycles in rats, thus distortion of menstrual cycle should be borne in mind in patients taking this drug.

Key words: Artemether, estrous cycle, vaginal smear, Rattus norvegicus.