Effect of Oral Administration of Diclofenac Sodium on Coagulation Factors and Some Hematological Parameters in Wister Rats

Abstract

Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug often obtainable as a prescription drug or over the counter. It is very effective in the control of inflammation and pain due to arthritis or pains arising following many disease conditions because of its antipyretic, anti inflammatory and analgesic potentials. Despite the beneficial effects of diclofenac sodium, it has been implicated in some adverse effects. In this study, we examined the effect of acute and chronic administration of diclofenac sodium on some hematological (PCV, WBC differentials) and coagulation  (prothrombin  time,  activated partial prothrombin time and platelets count) parameters of albino Wister rats using the standard methods.  Twenty four Albino Wister rats were divided into three groups of 8 rats and grouped as control, acute study and chronic study. The rats were administered 0.2 mg of diclofenac sodium for 24 hours for acute and 3 weeks for chronic studies respectively. The rats were sacrificed and blood collected for analysis of PCV, WBC differentials, prothrombin time, activated partial prothrombin time and platelets count using the  standard  methods.  Results  show  that  acute  administration  of  diclofenac sodium  at  0.2 mg  has  no  effect  on  hematological  and  coagulation  parameters,  but chronic  administration  could  instigate  significant  reduction  in  PCV,  platelets  count, neutrophils and monocytes (p<0.001), while there is a significant increase in PT, INR, lymphocytes  (p<0.001).  Considering these alterations, it is advisable that  this drug should be made a strictly prescription drug in order to prevent indiscriminate use of this medication and to prevent attendant anemia and coagulopathy that may follow chronic use.