HEPATOTOXIC EFFECT OF ITRACONAZOLE IN EXPERIMENTAL RATS

Itraconazole is a widely used antifungal drug. In situations such as managing patients with gastrointestinal basidiobolomycosis, third of which cases world-wide occur in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, prolonged treatment with this drug is required. Thus, this is study was designed to investigate the hepatotoxicity of long term administration of itraconazolein in Wistar rats. Two groups of rats were treated with itraconazole at doses of 5 and 10 mg kg^-1, for 30 and 60 days, respectively. At the end of each period sera of rats were tested for liver enzymes (including ALT, ALP and γGTT, albumin and protein). Animals were sacrificed and livers were processed for histological examination. Compared to controls, all rats treated for 30 and 60 days showed significant elevation in the levels of liver enzymes. Histologically there was severe liver injury. Although itraconazole is a safe antifungal drug, prolonged treatment with this drug may lead to severe hepatitis and liver cell injury. Patients who require treatment with this drug for long periods (12 to 18 months) should have their liver functions periodically monitored.