Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatotoxic effect and biochemical alterations induced by
ceftriaxone in rats.
Methods: Rats were injected ceftriaxone intramuscularly with 180 (therapeutic dose) and 360 (doupletherapeutic dose) mg/kg
b.wt. daily for five consecutive days. Blood and liver samples were collected for quantitative determination of some
biochemical parameters and histopathological examination respectively.
Results: Ceftriaxone produced significant increase in serum concentrations of liver enzymes (AST and ALT), total bilirubin,
cholesterol, Tg and LDL-cholesterol. Ceftriaxone also caused significant decrease in albumin and HDL-cholesterol. Ceftriaxone
injection in the tested doses caused histopathological changes in liver. The severity of these changes was dose dependant.
Conclusion: Hepatic functions should be monitored and/or the dose should be adjusted during ceftriaxone therapy.
Key words: Ceftriaxone, Biochemical, Histopathology, Hepatotoxicity, Rats.