ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has profoundly affected communities worldwide since its initial outbreak in Wuhan, China. The kidneys' intricate network of nephrons facilitates the filtration of blood to remove metabolic waste products, electrolytes, and excess fluids, while retaining essential substances for physiological functions. The aim of this study was to investigate the adverse effects of recommended COVID-19 drugs on renal ion balance and their implications for patient management and safety. The study design used here was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) where fifty-four (54) albino rats were randomly assigned into nine experimental groups consistency of six(6) rats in each group. Each group received a specific treatment regimen, including Azithromycin, Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquin MEDICAL Ivermectin, Lopinavir/Ritonavir, Zinc/Selenium, and various combinations respectively. Serum sodium (Na), Bicarbonate (HCO3), potassium (K), and chloride (CL) were estimated using the ion selective electrode (ISE) method. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 27. The results of the study showed that there was no significant difference (p> 0.05) in the Serum sodium (Na), Bicarbonate (HCO3), potassium (K), and chloride (CL) levels in the various treatment group compared to the control. But Azithromycin treatment exhibited a slight increase in Na 157.33 mmol/L compared to control 154.67 mmol/L. However, groups treated with Chloroquine (CQ), Hydroxychloroquine (HQ), Ivermectin (IV), Lopinavir/Retinavir (LR), Azithromycin (AZI), Zinc (ZN), CQ+IV+LR+AZI+ZN+SE, and IV+LR+AZI+ZN+SN, revealed a significant increase  (p<0.05) in weight after treatment. This study shows that there was no significant effect of the recommended COVID-19 drugs on renal ions. In conclusion there was no adverse effect observed. Further  research work should be carried out to ascertain  the adverse effect of COVID-19 drugs on renal parameters using  other  related  drugs and a different experimental models. Other vital organs should be assessed to fully ascertain the toxicity of COVID-19 drugs on health.