Outcome of acute and chronic effect of tramadol consumption on liver enzymes, renal function, and electrolyte levels in wistar rats

Abstract

Tramadol overdose had been known to cause acute liver failure and its products are excreted by kidney via urine; this makes the kidney a primary target of toxicity, especially in cases of misuse and overdose. This research aims to evaluate the outcome of acute and chronic consumption of tramadol on liver enzymes, renal functions and electrolytes level in Wistar Rats. Sixty (60) adult Wistar rats for this study was grouped into six groups of 5 male, 5 female and was treated with tramadol (30 mg/kg body weight), Group 1 was not treated within the period of the study, Group 2, 3, 4 and 5 were treated for 7, 14, 21 and 42 days respectively and was sacrificed. Group 6 was withdrawn for 21 days after 21 days of treatment. The animal’s Liver and kidney were excised for biochemical analysis. Generated data were analyzed using SPSS package and results expressed as mean ± SEM. Results obtained showed a progressive weight gain, elevation in the activities of ALT, ALP and AST, urea and creatinine and electrolytes level in all the groups treated with tramadol, when compared to the normal control. Groups 4 and 5 demonstrate the highest value compared to other groups treated. Conclusively, the use of tramadol has toxic effects on the liver function and can also be demonstrated by a substantial increase of urea and creatinine concentration, and in electrolyte levels. Tramadol use must be monitored and restricted to prescription only because therapeutic or severe dose can lead to toxicity.