- SHORT COMMUNICATION - Comparative studies of paracetamol and ibuprofen alone and in combination on renal function of guinea pigs HARRISON U. NWANJO and GABRIEL O. OZE College of Medicine and Health Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria Abstract Paracetamol and ibuprofen alone and in combination on renal function of guinea pigs were evaluated in this study. We assessed renal parameters such as urea, creatinine, and electrolyte. The guinea pigs were divided into four groups of six. Group I received only food and water (control). Groups II-IV received in addition to food and water either a single dose of paracetamol (15 mg kg–1 day–1) and ibuprofen (10 mg kg–1 day–1) or a combined therapy of paracetamol and ibuprofen for 14 days. The ibuprofen treated group showed a significant increase in serum urea and creatinine (p<0.05) and a decrease in serum sodium ion levels (p<0.05), when compared with the corresponding values of the control group. Administration of paracetamol showed no significant difference in all the parameters assessed when compared with the control group. This study showed that combined administration of paracetamol and ibuprofen caused a pronounced increase in serum urea, creatinine and a decrease in serum sodium levels. These results suggest that ibuprofen affects kidney function, more so when administered with paracetamol. This combination of drugs is commonly used in reducing fever and pains associated with malaria, and rheumatoid arthritis in tropical countries such as Nigeria.   < back .