____________________________________________________________________________________________ *Corresponding author: Email: olayinkaebenezertunde@gmail.com, oreayokanmi@gmail.com; British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research 4(2): 240-256, 2014 SCIENCEDOMAIN international www.sciencedomain.org Influence of Azithromycin Treatment on Hepatic Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Defence Systems of Rats Ebenezer Tunde Olayinka 1* and Ayokanmi Ore 1 1 Department of Chemical Sciences, Biochemistry Unit, Ajayi Crowther University, P.M.B. 1066, Oyo, Nigeria. Authors’ contributions This research work was carried out in collaboration between both authors – the experimental designed, the study, the statistical analysis, Interpretation of biochemical findings and preparation of journal manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Received 18 th March 2013 Accepted 30 th April 2013 Published 31 st October 2013 ABSTRACT Aim: Azithromycin is a semisynthetic macrolide antibiotic commonly indicated for use in middle ear, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, and community- acquired pneumonia with a well-established safety and efficacy profile. The antibiotic is usually well tolerated; however, it has been associated with rare cases of progressive cholestatic hepatitis and fulminant hepatic failure. This study was therefore designed to examine the effect of two doses of Azithromycin; 5.6 mg/kg body weight, (b.w.) and 11.2 mg/ kg b.w. on some hepatic and renal function indices, oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system in rats. Study Design: Toxicological, Histological and Biochemical study. Place and Duration of Study: Biochemistry Unit, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Nigeria between March 2012 and April 2012. Methodology: Thirty rats (Wistar strain) weighing between 180 – 200 g were randomly assigned into three treatment groups of ten animals each; Group I (Control) did not receive any drug, Group II received 5.6 mg/ kg b.w. and Group III received 11.2mg/ kg b.w. Azithromycin by oral gavage twice daily for seven days. Results: Urea, Creatinine and Bilirubin levels were significantly (p=0.05) elevated in the plasma of the rats that received 5.6 mg/ kg b.w. and 11.2mg/ kg b.w. by 20.0% and Original Research Article