Separate and combined effects of chronic administration of codeine and tramadol on food intake and body weight in male albino rats

Abstract

Tramadol and Codeine are both opiates used as analgesics which act on the nervous and metabolic systems. However, their role in dietary disorder and body weight has not been established in the current trend among abusers. This study, therefore, examined the effects of chronic exposure to Codeine and Tramadol on food intake and body weight. Specifically, the study examined feeding behaviour and body weight of male albino rats. Male Albino rats numbering Twenty-Four, weighing between 150-200g and 7-9 weeks’ old were used. They were collected from the University of Ibadan Veterinary animal farm. The rats were divided into 3 experimental groups of Codeine, Tramadol, combined Codeine and Tramadol and Control groups with 6 rats in each group and exposed to 8mg/kg of codeine, 20mg/ kg of tramadol, combined 8mg/kg of codeine and 20mg/kg of tramadol, and normal saline for 28 days. Records of the amount of food ingested and the bodyweight of the rats were taken daily for the duration of the experiment. Randomized ANOVA at p≤0.05 showed a significant effect of Tramadol and Codeine on food intake (F 3,667 = 3.50, p < 0.05, η2=.02. Male rats in the Tramadol and Codeine group (x =94.29), tramadol only (x =93.22) and Codeine only (x =99.00) groups significantly consumed less amount of food compared to the control group (x =100.36). Body weight was significantly influenced (F 3,667 = 3.55, p < 0.01, η2= .02). Mean body weight was significantly lower for rats in codeine & tramadol (x = 133.21), tramadol only (x = 132.31) and codeine only (x = 133.79) groups compared to the control group (x =137.51). It was concluded that chronic exposure to Tramadol and Codeine is associated with weight loss and reduced food intake, suggesting the risk of dietary health challenges and weight loss problems for abusers.