ABSTRACT
In this study, five equal groups of adult male albino rats were examined histopathologically for liver and kidney. Serum blood levels of AST [SGOT] and ALT [SGPT] enzymes, as well as urea and creatinine were also estimated. The 1st group was a control, the 2nd and 3rd were given azithromycin in therapeutic dose for three days [the 2nd was sacrificed on the 3rd day and the 3rd on the 10th day from the last dose]. The 4th and 5th groups were given double therapeutic dose [as in treatment of chlamydia] for three days [the 4th was sacrificed on the 3rd day and the 5th on the 10th day from the last dose]. Liver showed degenerative changes, cellular infiltrations and cytoplasmic vaculation, with variable degrees and extents. The least affected group was group II, followed by group III and IV then group V, which is the most affected. As regard transaminased, there was no significant rise of AST [SGOT] in all groups except group V compared to control one, while ALT [SGPT] showed a significant elevation in all groups except group II. Kidney showed necrotic changes, focal cellular infiltrations and congestion with variable degrees and extents. Also, group II was the least affected followed by group IV, while group V was the most affected followed by group III. There was a significant rise in urea serum level in all groups except group II. Also, creatinine serum level showed a significant rise in all groups except groups II and IV in relation to control one. These hepatic and renal changes were attributed to the direct effect of the drug and/or its metabolites on ribosomal functions due to long stay of these chemicals in tissues. So, it is advised to minimize the dose as possible as we can and prescribe it cautiously for hepatic and renal patients