Effect of chlorpheniramine on acute dichlorvos poisoning in wistar rats

Introduction: Pesticide poisoning is a serious public health concern worldwide. According to WHO, about 3 million cases occur every year, resulting in more than 250,000 deaths. In response to the problems of unavailability of antidotes and cost in sub-Saharan Africa, this research set out to investigate chlorpheniramine, a cheap and readily available over the counter (OTC) antihistamine for possible antidotal effects on rats acutely poisoned with dichlorvos. Methodology: The antidotal and protective effect of chlorpheniramine a H1 antihistamine on acute toxicity by dichlorvos, an organophosphorus insecticide in wistar rats was investigated and compared with atropine, the standard antidote. Chlorpheniramine (2mg/kg, 4mg/kg, and 8mg/kg), atropine (0.4mg/kg, 0.8mg/kg, and 1.6mg/kg) and dichlorvos (4mg/kg) were all administered intraperitoneally. Dichlorvos at a dose of 4mg/kg induced acute toxicity in the rats observed as tremor, convulsion, defecation, straub tail, recumbence and gasping. Results: Chlorpheniramine significantly (p