Effects of Fluoxetine and Aspirin on Bleeding Time and Liver When Used Alone or in Combination in Rats

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of fluoxetine and aspirin, alone or in combination, on bleeding time and hepatotoxicity.MethodsThe antiplatelet effect of fluoxetine (10mg/kg, orally) alone or combination with aspirin (25 mg/kg, orally) after 4‐week treatment in male Wistar rats (200–250g) was determined using established rat's tail bleeding model. Hepatotoxic biomarkers and liver histological patterns were evaluated. The experimental protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.ResultsBleeding time tended to be prolonged by aspirin but not significantly compared to control. Fluoxetine did not change the bleeding time. Treatment with concomitant aspirin and fluoxetine exhibited a trend to shorten the bleeding time. Serum ALT and ALP but not total bilirubin the aspirin group seemed to be higher than in other groups although significant differences could not be detected. Concomitant aspirin and fluoxetine could prevent the increase in these two enzyme levels. Adverse alterations in liver morphology were observed in all treated groups compared to control.ConclusionFluoxetine exhibits a trend to shorten the prolonged bleeding time and prevents the increase in serum ALT and ALP in aspirin treated rats suggesting possible drug interaction upon the concomitant administration. This study was supported by Thailand International Development Co‐operation Agency