Abstract

Amoxycillin/clavulanic acid (Augmentin 625®) is an antibiotic which is being advocated by WHO as a drug for treatment of infection. Its efficacy and potential to inhibit microorganisms had led to their increased use. There is the possibility that the drug may have potential toxic effects on humans following consumption. The present investigation was therefore undertaken to study the status of antioxidant defense system, oxidative stress and some biochemical indices following Augmentin 625® treatment in rats. 20 rats were divided into two groups: Group 1 (control) received no drug, while group 2 received Augmentin 625 (21.83 mg/kg body weight) twice for seven days. The result indicated that the drug induced marked renal and liver failure characterized by a significant increase (p < 0.05) in plasma creatinine, urea, and bilirubin, by 76, 45, and 100% respectively. Similarly, the drug also significantly increased total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and Triglycerides by 38.1, 83.5, 96 and 26% respectively compared to control. Furthermore, the administration of the drug significantly increased plasma AST and ALT by 42.6 and 44.4% respectively compared with the control. The drug also caused a significant decrease in hepatic Glutathione (GSH) and Vitamin C by 51 and 44% respectively. Similarly hepatic SOD, Catalase and GST activities were significantly decreased by 56, 33 and 53% respectively. Overall, the result of the present investigation shows that acute dose of amoxycillin/clavulanic acid (Augmentin 625®) altered enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system and induced oxidative stress in rats.

Key words: Amoxycillin/clavulanic acid, respiratory tract infection, antimicrobial resistance, antioxidant indices, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species.