Anti-diarrhea Effect of Loperamide Administration in Acute Castor Oil-induced Diarrhea in Pregnancy and Postnatal Outcome in Wistar Rat
Ani Celestine Okafor *
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Rhema University, Nigeria.
Uzoefuna Casmir Chima
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-eno, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Chinedu Happiness Uzoagulu
Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, State University of Medical and Applied Sciences, Igbo-eno, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Ezinwa Anthony Chijioke
Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
Patani Oghenekparobo Patricia
Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Renaissance University, Ugbawka, Enugu State Nigeria.
Nweke Maduka Luke
Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Diarrhea during pregnancy poses significant maternal and fetal risks, particularly when associated with dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Aim: This study investigates the effects of loperamide on castor oil-induced diarrhea in pregnant Wistar rats and evaluates its impact on maternal survival, gestation period, and postnatal outcomes.
Methods: Twenty pregnant Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 5): Group 1 (normal control), Group 2 (castor oil only), Group 3 (castor oil + 4 mg/kg loperamide), and Group 4 (castor oil + 8 mg/kg loperamide). Diarrhea was induced using castor oil at 10 mL/kg orally. Maternal body weight, survival rate, gestation period, litter size, offspring weight, anogenital distance, and postnatal mortality were assessed.
Result: Results showed 100% maternal mortality in the negative control group by Week 3, whereas all loperamide-treated groups survived (p < 0.05). Group 3 delivered at the normal gestational period (21 days), while Group 4 exhibited a significantly (P<0.05) longer gestation period (27 days). The Group 4 produced a larger litter size (7 pups) with 0% offspring mortality, compared to Group 3 (5 pups; 40% mortality). Offspring from the high-dose group also demonstrated slightly higher anogenital distance, suggesting enhanced developmental maturity.
Conclusion: In conclusion, loperamide effectively prevented maternal death associated with acute diarrhea and significantly influenced postnatal outcomes in a dose-dependent manner. However, high-dose administration prolonged gestation, indicating potential interference with parturition mechanisms. These findings highlight the need for cautious dose consideration when managing diarrhea during pregnancy.
Keywords: Diarrhea, loperamide, castor oil, anogenital distance, pregnancy