Investigating Changes in Serum Biochemical Parameters in anticonvulsant drugs

Abstract

Background: Despite the availability of newer antiepileptic drugs, the First line drugs are commonly used because o1 their efficacy and low cost. Rational poly pharmacy  of antiepileptic  drugs is one of the  treatment  strategies  for refractory epilepsy. The drug  combination may enhance adverse reaction appearance.

Aim: this study   was conducted   to evaluate   the   serum biochemical   alterations   following the administration of Clonazepam (CNP) and/or Gabapentin (GBP) in Albino rats.

Methods: Forty male adult Albino rats weighing between 144 and 300 g were used for the experiment. They were divided into four (4) groups of 10 animals each. Rat5 in  group 3  II, III  and  IV  were  given  CNP (20  mg/kg),  GBP (100 mg/kg) and CNP+G BP (20 and 100 mg/kg separately), respectively. Rats in group I were given distilled water at 2 ml/kg and served as untreated control. All treatments were administered orally by gavage. The regimens were given once daily for a period of eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed and serum samples were obtained for the analysis of total proteins, albumin, globulin, urea, Na+, K+, CI-, and activities of alanine aminotransferase  (ALT), aspartate   aminotransferase   (AST),   alkaline    phosphatase     (ALP)    and    lactate    dehydrogenase (LDH).  

Results: There   was   an   increase   in   the   concentration of Na+ (P < 0.0001) concentration, albumin (P < 0.01) and a decrease in urea (CNP and GBP groups) (P < 0.05), globulin (P < 0.05) and K+ (CNP group) (P < 0.05) concentrations. The activities o1 ALT in the CNP and CNP+GBP groups and that of AST activity in the GBP group increased significantly (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: administration of CNP and/or GBP induced significant alterations in 3erum biochemical parameters in Albino rats. It is recommended that serum biochemical parameters should be strictly monitored and regularly evaluated in individuals treated with CNP and/or GBP in order to alleviate or prevent some of these changes.