Liver enzymes derangement and the influence of diet in animals given oral albendazole

BACKGROUND: Albendazole is used as an anthelmintic in the treatment of some parasitic infections. This study determined how the effects of albendazole on liver enzymes are influenced by diet. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Thirty adult male Wistar rats of mean weight 304.12 ± 11.34 g were randomly grouped into five: Group A: Control, was given rat pellets and water only; Group B received 15 mg/kg/d of albendazole while fasting; Group C received 15 mg/kg/d of albendazole with fatty meal; Group D received 15 mg/kg/d of albendazole with normal diet (rat pellets); and, Group E received 30 mg/kg/d of albendazole with normal diet (rat pellets); they were given orally for 3 consecutive days. The animals were sacrificed thereafter and blood samples obtained for quantitative study of the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). RESULTS: Significant elevation in the serum levels of the transaminases especially in animals which were on their normal diet (rat pellets), while ALP was either reduced or increased based on dietary factors. CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of albendazole before meal or with a fatty diet could help limit severe elevation of liver enzymes associated with its use, while still ensuring optimal efficacy.