The Evaluation Of Biochemical Changes In Adults On Anti-Malaria Drug (Coartem):- Onyekaonwu, Chisom A

ABSTRACT ix Coartem is an anti-malaria drug recommended by world health organisation as first line drug for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by plasmodiumfalciparum. This drug is regarded as an over-the-counter drug in malaria endemic regions of the world. This drug is very effective and has side effect which could be observed by changes in biochemical parameters. As such this work was aimed at determining the biochemical changes that occur in adults that are treated with coartem anti-malaria drug. The biochemical changes in total bilirubin (TB), Creatinine, Urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined. The study was designed using two groups viz; control group which consisted of 15 respondents that were not on coartem and treatment group which consisted of 35 respondents of age between 20-40 years of age. Among the treatment groups 20 respondents are between the ages of 20-29 years while 15 respondents were aged between 30-40 years. Results obtained from data analysis showed that individuals on coartem had increased levels of bilirubin, ALT and ALP when compared to the normal (individuals not on Coartem) while urea, creatinine and AST was not altered. This increase in liver enzymes signifies that Coartem alters the functionality of the liver by inducing toxicity to it. The study admonishes that chronic intake of coartem should be avoided.