Assessment of Mutagenic Effects of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) on Animal Model

Introduction: The use of medicines in pregnancy has always been a source of concern because of adverse effects on the foetus.
Aim: The study therefore investigated the mutagenic potential of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) in Swiss albino mice.
Study Design: Comparative study.
Place and duration of the study: The study was carried out at Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba within 4weeks.
Methodology: Four groups of pregnant female laboratory bred virgin mice were used. Group 1 received the normal human therapeutic dose (HTD) of SP. Group 2 received 1½ X HTD group while group 3 received 2X HTD. Group 4 received only water and served as the control. Assessment of sperm head abnormality was conducted using four groups of laboratory bred male Swiss albino mice. Group 1 received the HTD; group 2, 1½ while group 3 received 2 X HTD. The fourth group received only water and served as the control.
Results: The result showed no abnormality when the fetuses were examined and there was no significant association between the test mice and the control mice, P>0.05. Analysis of the sperm head abnormality showed no significant association between the test and control male mice.
Conclusion: Inference can be made from this study that that SP may not be adjudged to induce sperm head abnormalities and may not be mutagenic. It can therefore be concluded that SP is safe for use in pregnancy after quickening.