Anti-Amebic drugs: reassessed

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to reassess the effect of metronidazole or chloroquine administration on pancreatic and renal functions of the rats. Four groups of experimental animals each comprised from 30 rats were used in the study. They received oral doses of metronidazole [500 mg/kg], chloroquine [500 mg/kg], metronidazole [1000 mg/kg] and chloroquine [750 mg/kg], respectively. The results showed that high doses of metronidazole over extended periods of therapy can induce a potential toxic effect on the pancreas. Chloroquine in high doses has manifested a potential nephrotoxic effect. Further studies are needed to evaluate the pancreatic and renal effects of anti-amebic drugs and to study the possible mechanisms of such toxic actions