Investigation of the analgesic and systemic effects of ibuprofen in rabbits.

Abstract

Ibuprofen suspensions (15 and 30 mg/kg b.m.) were orally administered to two groups of rabbits every 12 hours for three days following laparotomy. The effect of these doses on the pain scores, haematology parameters, several serum enzyme levels and gastrointestinal tract were evaluated. The results were then compared with the untreated group but laparotomised. The administration of 30 mg/kg b.m. ibuprofen produced a significantly (P<0.05) lower pain score by 2 hours post administration. By 18 hours, the pain score of the group II rabbits (15 mg/kg) were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those of control (group I). However from 24 hours, group III (30 mg/kg) and group II (15 mg/kg) pain scores were not significantly (P>0.05) different. Administration of the two doses of ibuprofen did not significantly (P>0.05) alter the packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC) and haemoglobin concentrations (Hbc) of the rabbits. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) significantly (P<0.05) increased in the ibuprofen treated groups. Also a significant (P<0.05) increase in serum creatinine level was observed following the administration of 30 mg/kg ibuprofen. No melena, vomiting or diarrhoea were observed in rabbits in the control and treated groups. In conclusion, the two doses of ibuprofen were able to relief laparotomy pain at the dosing regimen used. However, the use of 15 mg/kg b.m. ibuprofen should be favoured since less renal side effects were noted following its use.