Genotoxic of co-codamol for human lymphocyte culture in vitro.

Abstract

Co-codamol, a combination analgesic containing paracetamol and codeine phosphate, is widely used for pain relief, but its potential genotoxic effects on human lymphocytes remain largely unknown. This in vitro study investigates the genotoxic potential of co-codamol on cultured human lymphocytes by assessing cell viability, mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberration frequency, and micronucleus (MN) formation. Lymphocytes were exposed to varying concentrations of co-codamol (0.02-0.12 mg/mL), and cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay. Results showed that co-codamol significantly reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, with complete cell death at 0.12 mg/mL. The mitotic index was significantly decreased at higher concentrations, and a statistically significant increase in chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus formation was observed in treated lymphocytes compared to the control group (p < 0.05). These findings provide important evidence that co-codamol exhibits genotoxic potential in vitro, suggesting a potential risk of DNA damage associated with its use. Further in vivo investigations are warranted to assess the clinical relevance of these genotoxic effects and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of toxicity.