The hepatotoxic effect of halofantrine in guinea pigs

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hepatotoxic effects of halofantrine in guinea pigs.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Halofantrine (30-105 mg/kg) was administered orally to three groups of guinea pigs thrice a week for 4 weeks. One group of animals which received distilled water served as control. The relative weight of the liver was measured. The biochemical parameters like alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and also total and conjugated bilirubin were measured. Liver tissues were subjected to histopathological examination.
RESULTS: There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in the relative weight of the liver in all the treated groups compared to control. There was also a significant (P<0.05) increase in all the liver enzymes and total and conjugated bilirubin. Histopathological examination of the liver revealed moderate portal triaditis to severe hepatic degeneration in the halofantrine-treated groups.
CONCLUSION: Halofantrine exhibits hepatotoxic effect in guinea pigs.