Investigating the Effect ofRosuvastatin, Paracetamol and Coadministration of Rosuvastatin andParacetamol on Ocular Tissue

Abstract

Objective: Statins and Paracetamol are two drugs that have a high prescription rate all over the world. Possible side effects can easily be augmented because they use the same cytochrome oxidase enzymes in liver. This study aimed to investigate the effect single or combined administration of these drugs on ocular tissues. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight 12- to 15-month-old rats were divided in four groups: Control, Rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg/day for 7 times a week), Paracetamol (50 mg/kg/day for 5 times a week) and Rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg/day for 7 times a week) + Paracetamol (50 mg/kg/day for 5 times a week) for 8 weeks. At the end of study, intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured and ocular tissues were obtained for histopathological evaluation under anaesthesia with Ketamine and Xylasine (50 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg, respectively).Results: Rosuvastatin showed an IOP dropping effect and paracetamol did not prevent it. Histopathological evaluation mainly revealed retinal nerve fibre layer degeneration. Additionally, different pathological alterations such as corneal oedema and polypoid proliferation were observed in all the treated groups, although they were rare.Conclusion: The IOP dropping effect of rosuvastatin shows that it is safe in glaucoma patients, but this beneficial effect was not observed with Paracetamol. Retinal nerve fibre layer degeneration with both drugs might be one of the reasons for visual disturbances in real life conditions.