Effect of Oral Administration of Ibuprofen on Prothrombin Time, Activated Partial Thromboplastin and Platelet Count in Wistar Albino Rats

Aim: Ibuprofen is analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drug, which is widely used as a cheap over- the counter drug (OTC); however, this drug accompanies anti coagulation/anti platelets effects which sometimes might illicit adverse effects. In this study, we investigated effect of ibuprofen on prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and platelet count using wistar albino rats.

Methods: A total of 21 rats grouped into 3(control, acute and chronic exposure groups, with all consisting of 7 rats each) was used. The acute and chronic exposure group were given 0.7 mg of ibuprofen orally for 1 and 21 days, respectively. Blood sample was collected via cardiac puncture then analyzed.

Results: PT was significantly higher in both group 2 and 3 (acute and chronic exposure, respectively) than that of the control. Acute exposure group showed the highest PT rise. A PTT was not significantly different between group 2 and 3 versus the control group. Platelet count was significantly lower in both group 2 and 3than that in the control group (p<0.05). Group 3 (chronic exposure) showed the lowest platelet count.

Conclusion: Oral administration of ibuprofen affected coagulation parameters and a longer exposure reduce platelets count. A strictly prescription for this drug may be needed to prevent its indiscriminate use.