Administration of Antiretroviral Drugs (Lamivudine, Neviraplne and Stavudine) has no Untoward Effect on Haematological Profile in Albino Rats

Abstract

The sub-Saharan African region is home to the greatest burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and Acquired lmmunodenciency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Appropriate management of infectious diseases is the most cost effective intervention to reduce the burden of disease. Highly Active Anti Retroviral Therapy (HAART) is the mainstay for inhibiting the multiplication of the causative agent and improving quality oflife of the victims. There is some doubt in the region regarding the safety of the drugs in the anti AIDS pharmacy. Local studies on the safety of these agents are few. We stuclied the effects of acute and sub-acute oral administration of Lamivudine, Nevirapine and Stavudine on haematological profiles in albino rats. The rats were administered acute and sub-acute doses of Lamivudine, Nevirapine and Stavudine. Packed Cell Volume (PCV), total white blood cell count and differentials were determined by standard haernatological methods. There were no significant differences (p<0.05) in the parametres except in PCV, eosinophils, neutrophils and leucocyte count associated with nevirapine and leucocytes and eosinophils associated with larnivudine. We conclude that acute and sub-acute oral administration of these drugs is associated with few haernatological abnormalities and is therefore safe.