ABSTRACT
Background: Following the anxiom that prevention is better than cure, some drugs or combination of drugs have been suggested for management and prophylactic treatment of Corona virus infection. These combinations of drugs have not been re-evaluated for adverse effects. This study assessed the Adverse effects of Chloroquine, Azithromycin, Atazanavir/Ritonavir, Lopinavir/Ritonavir and Zinc (CQChloroquine, Azithromycin- Zi, Atazanavir- At, Lopinavir-L, Ritonavir- R, Zinc-Zn) combinations in Albino Rats. Method: The Rats were acclimatized for 14 days with food and water. Recommended dose in kg/body weight of Chloroquine, Azithromycin, Atazanavir/Ritonavir, Lopinavir/Ritonavir and zinc were administered orally to albino Rats for 28 days. After simulated exposure, the rats were sacrificed under chloroform anaesthesia. Collected blood samples were assessed for common toxicity markers such as weight, lipid profile, renal electrolytes and haematological indices. Results: 30 biological parameters were studies and these drug combinations significantly altered 19 of these parameters. All the drugs especially combinations of CZIARZN reduced body weight by 22% after 10 days and this was maintained still after 21days. Lipid profile except for Triglycerides was altered positively (reduced) with all combinations of CQQ, CZIARZN, CZILIRTZN and CZIZN. There was an increase in WBC count due to combinations of CZIARZN, CZILIRTZN and CZIZN. However, thrombocytopenia was observed with CCQ and CZIARZN, CZILIRTZN, CZIZN. Significant changes in Chloride ion levels as well as elevated serum Creatinine and bicarbonate ion indicative of renal toxicity were observed with all drug combinations. (P<0.05) 9 Rats from 3 groups administered treatment options of CZIARZN and CZILIRTZN died during the experiments probably due to the toxicity of concomitant therapy of Antibiotics and Antiviral agents. 14 Conclusion: Chloroquine, Azithromycin, Atazanavir/Ritonavir, Lopinavir/Ritonavir and zincy used alone or in combination possess adverse effects. Therefore Chloroquine, Azithromycin, Atazanavir/Ritonavir, Lopinavir/Ritonavir and Zinc alone or in combination should be used with care in chronic users such as overweight patients. Also, people with Chronic kidney disease and patients with blood dyscrasias should be careful in the use of drug combinations recommended for COVID-19.
