ABSTRACT
Investigating the effects of recommended drugs for COVID-19 treatment on platelet parameters in albino rats, this study conducted at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Benin, Nigeria, and the Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, sought to understand the potential impacts on hematological profiles. Ethical approval was secured, and various drugs, including chloroquine, hydroxyl chloroquine, ivermectin, lopinavir/ritonavir, azithromycin, and zinc/selenium, were orally administered to experimental rat groups over 28 days. Platelet indices were meticulously assessed using established methodologies. Results unveiled significant variations among the treatment groups, notably with chloroquine administration inducing elevated platelet count (988.67 ± 277.93) and mean platelet volume (8.33 ± 0.55), while azithromycin led to a decline in platelet count (601.33 ± 82.17). These findings underscore potential implications for platelet function within COVID-19 treatment protocols, emphasizing the imperative of further investigations to unravel underlying mechanisms and refine therapeutic strategies. The observed alterations in platelet parameters highlight the intricate interplay between drug interventions and hematological profiles, underscoring the necessity of vigilant platelet function monitoring in COVID-19 patients under treatment. This study contributes valuable insights into the hematological consequences of COVID-19 drug therapies, enriching the evolving discourse on treatment strategies and offering critical perspectives on potential hematological complications. In conclusion, elucidating the complex interactions between COVID-19 drugs and platelet function holds paramount importance in optimizing treatment efficacy and mitigating adverse effects, thus advancing patient care amidst the ongoing pandemic. Further research endeavors are warranted to validate these findings and inform evidence-based clinical practices in COVID-19 management.
