Hepatotoxicity Activity of Broad Spectrum Antibiotics (Amoxicillin and Ciprofloxacin) after Prolonged Administration in Wistar Albino Rats

This study evaluated the hepatotoxicity activity of two broad spectrum antibiotics, Amoxicillin and Ciprofloxacin both independently and synergistically in Wistar albino rats for twenty-one days administration. Doses of 7.14mg/kg and 14.28 mg/kg (equivalent to 500mg/70kg and 1000mg/70kg) were used for the experiment, and 7.14mg/kg each of both drugs were combined to evaluate synergistic effect. Group 1 received no administration (negative control), group 2 received 7.14mg/kg of Ciprofloxacin, group 3 received 7.14mg/k of Amoxicillin, group 4 received 14.28mg/kg of Ciprofloxacin, group 5 received 14.28mg/kg of Amoxicillin and group 6 received 7.14mg/kg each of both drugs. After the 21-day period, the animals were fasted and their blood and liver collected for biochemical and histopathology examination of the liver. The degree of hepatotoxicity was determined by measuring levels of biochemical markers; Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Bilirubin and Total protein. The result of this study showed that the levels of ALT, AST, ALP and Total protein were significant difference (p<0.05) when compared with the control, the bilirubin level in the serum showed no significant difference (p>0.05). The histopathology examination showed normal hepatocytes for animals in groups 1 (control), 2, 3 and 5, but showed necrosis, mono-nuclear phagocytes and mild to severe infiltration of inflammatory cells in group 4 and 6. Both drugs at normal doses has little effect on the liver biomarkers, but showed more injury to hepatocytes at high dose for prolonged use. The synergistic effect showed severe injury to liver cells, with inflammatory and phagocytic infiltration.