ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 2 (2), pp. 001-006, February, 2011. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Does alcohol consumption increase the risk of severe adverse events to ivermectin treatment?
Takougang I.1*, Ngogang J.2, Sihom F. 1, Ntep M.3, Kamgno J.3, Eyamba A.4, Zouré H.5, Noma M.5 and Amazigo U. V.5
1Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences; University of Yaoundé 1, P. O. Box 1364 Yaoundé, Cameroon.
2Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, P. O. Box 1364 Yaoundé, Cameroon.
3National Programme for Onchocerciasis Control, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
4Carter Center/Global 2000, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
5African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control, BP 155 Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
Accepted 09 December, 2010
Abstract
The present investigation is a case-control study designed to assess the level of association between alcohol consumption and the occurrence of severe adverse reaction (SAE) following ivermectin consumption. Thirty-six (36) cases of SAE occurred in the health districts of Bankim, Nanga Eboko, Obala, Okola and Sa’a. Case and control (43) individuals were submitted to a questionnaire related to their alcohol consumption 24 before and 24 to 48 h following ivermectin intake. An in-depth interview of siblings and local health worker was conducted to assess alcohol consumption around Mectizan intake. The degree of alcohol use was assessed using the level of serum transaminases and the alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT). The alcoholic beverages of the study communities were conventional such as beer, whisky, or locally made. Locally produced beverages included “arki” (“Odontol”, “Hah”, ...) and palm wine. The bark, sap or fruit of plants adjuvant are known to contain alkaloids and tannins which are potent neurotropic substances. The likelihood of developing SAE among cases and controls did not differ significantly with history of consumption of alcoholic beverages. Nor did it differ for other indicators of chronic alcohol consumption.
Key words: Alcohol consumption, onchocerciasis, audit, serious adverse events, encephalopathy.