Effects of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (selective versus non-selective COX inhibitors) on hepatic and renal functions in rats

This study has been designed to investigate renal and hepatic toxic effects of selective COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib and meloxicam) versus non-selective NSAIDs (diclofenac) in albino rats, and to clarify the probable reversibility of such effects on drug withdrawal. The selected drugs were given orally in two dose levels for two months. The results showed significant (P<0.05) increases in the serum levels of sodium, potassium, urea, creatinin, SGOT, SGPT and total bilirubin in the treated animals in comparison with the control. Moreover these significant increases were persistent after one month post-withdrawal. In conclusion, there were no detectable significant (P<0.05) differences between renal and hepatic effects of selective COX-2 inhibitors and non- selective NSAIDs.