Inhibition of paracetamol induced reduction in hepatic glutathione level by INH of rifampin coadministration in mice

ABSTRACT

Repated administration of paracetamol induces hepatotoxicity due to depletion of the liver tissue from its glutathione contents. As paracetamol may be currently used in combination with INH and rifampin it was notworthy to explore the effect of these drugs on hepatic glutathione contents. Paracetamol, INH and rifampin were given either alone or in combination. After certain period of drug treatment, the animals were sacrificed and their livers were homogenized to determine its glutathione contents. It was observed that paracetamol significantly decreased while either INH or rifampin significantly increased the glutathione contents of the liver. When given in combination, both INH and rifampin could prevent the decrease in glutathione level when paracetamol was given with either of them for 2 days and only partially when it was given for 7 days. How much this effect can be benificial ? this needs thorough clinical investigation