In vivo and ex vivo uptake of albendazole and its sulphoxide metabolite by cestode parasites: relationship with their kinetic behaviour in sheep

The current experiments correlate the disposition kinetics of albendazole (ABZ) following its intravenous (i.v.) and intraruminal (i.r.) administrations to Moniezia spp.-infected sheep, with the pattern of drug/metabolite uptake by tapeworms collected from treated animals. The ex vivo uptake pattern of ABZ and albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) by the same cestode parasite was also investigated. Naturally infected (Moniezia spp.) Corriedale lambs were treated with ABZ by either i.v. (Group A, n = 15) or i.r. (Group B, n = 15) administration at 7.5 mg/kg. Plasma and abomasal fluid samples were obtained over a 120-h period. Two animals per group were killed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h post-treatment; parasite material (tapeworms), bile and intestinal fluid samples were recovered. Furthermore, Moniezia spp. tapeworms obtained from sheep killed at the local abattoir were incubated with either ABZ or ABZSO for different time periods in a Kreb's Ringer Tris buffer (ex vivo experiments). Samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography for ABZ, ABZSO and albendazole sulphone (ABZSO2). ABZ plasma concentrations decreased rapidly and were not detectable beyond 10 h following i.v. administration. ABZSO and ABZSO2 were the metabolites recovered in plasma after both treatments. ABZ and its metabolites were extensively distributed to the digestive tract, mainly into the abomasal fluid, after the i.v. and i.r. administrations. The parent drug and its active ABZSO metabolite were recovered in tapeworms collected from both i.v. and i.r. treated lambs. However, the availability of both ABZ and ABZSO was higher in parasite material recovered from i.v. treated animals. The uptake of ABZ by the cestode parasite, both in vivo and ex vivo, was significantly greater than that of its sulphoxide metabolite, which agrees with the higher lipophilicity of the parent drug.     

Pharmacokinetic behaviour of netobimin and its metabolites in sheep

The pharmacokinetics and the profile of urine excretion of netobimin (NTB) and its metabolites were investigated after its intraruminal (i.r.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) administration to sheep at 20 mg/kg. Plasma and urine concentrations of NTB, albendazole (ABZ), albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) and albendazole sulphone (ABZSO2) were measured serially over a 120-h period by HPLC. NTB showed a similar pharmacokinetic profile in both treatments, being detected between 0.5 and 12 h post-treatment, but the tmax was achieved significantly earlier (P less than 0.05) after s.c. treatment. ABZ was detected in plasma only after i.r. treatment, resulting in a low area under the curve (AUC). The peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and AUC for ABZSO and ABZSO2 were significantly higher after i.r. administration of NTB. In both treatments, the ABZSO Cmax was reached earlier than the ABZSO2 Cmax. The ratio of AUC ABZSO2:ABZSO was higher following s.c. administration (1.33) than following i.r. administration (0.35). The percentages of total dose excreted in the urine as NTB, ABZ, ABZSO and ABZSO2 were 17.05 (i.r.) and 8.16 (s.c.). There was a less efficient conversion of NTB into ABZ metabolites after s.c. administration. The detection of ABZ in plasma and the high ABZSO AUC obtained after i.r. treatment may be of major importance for anthelmintic efficacy.     

Species differences in hepatic biotransformation of the anthelmintic drug flubendazole

Flubendazole (FLBZ) is a broad‐spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic used in pigs, poultry, and humans. It has been proposed as a candidate for development for use in elimination programmes for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis in humans. Moreover, FLBZ has shown promise in cancer chemotherapy, particularly for neuroblastoma. This work investigated the hepatic carbonyl‐reducing pathway of FLBZ in different species, including humans. Microsomal and cytosolic fractions were obtained from sheep, cattle, pig, hen, rat, and human liver. Both subcellular fractions of each species converted FLBZ into a reduced metabolite (red‐FLBZ). The rate of microsomal red‐FLBZ production was highest in sheep (1.92 ± 0.13 nmol/min.mg) and lowest in pigs (0.04 ± 0.02 nmol/min.mg); cytosolic red‐FLBZ production ranged from 0.02 ± 0.01 (pig) to 1.86 ± 0.61 nmol/min.mg (sheep). Only subcellular fractions from sheep liver oxidized red‐FLBZ to FLBZ in a NADP⁺‐dependent oxidative reaction. Liver microsomes from both pigs and humans transformed FLBZ to red‐FLBZ and a hydrolyzed metabolite. Very significant differences in the pattern of FLBZ metabolism were observed among the tested species and humans. These results reinforce the need for caution in extrapolating data on metabolism, efficacy, and safety of drugs derived from studies performed in different species.     

Comparative Disposition Kinetics of Albendazole in Sheep Following Oral and Intraruminal Administration

The pharmacokinetics of albendazole was studied in sheep following single oral and intraruminal administration at nematocidal dose rates. The disposition curves of its metabolites indicated increased uptake of the drug in sheep following intraruminal as compared to oral dosing (p<0.05). The increased bioavailability of benzimidazole anthelmintics given by the intraruminal route could be exploited for optimizing the use of anthelmintic for sustained parasite control in small ruminants.     

Plasma disposition and faecal excretion of oxfendazole, fenbendazole and albendazole following oral administration to donkeys

Fenbendazole (FBZ), oxfendazole (fenbendazole sulphoxide, FBZSO), and albendazole (ABZ) were administered orally to donkeys at 10mg/kg bodyweight. Blood and faecal samples were collected from 1 to 120 h post-treatment. The plasma and faecal samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The parent molecule and its sulphoxide and sulphone (FBZSO(2)) metabolites did not reach detectable concentrations in any plasma samples following FBZ administration. ABZ was also not detected in any plasma samples, but its sulphoxide and sulphone metabolites were detected, demonstrating that ABZ was completely metabolised by first-pass mechanisms in donkeys. Maximum plasma concentrations (C(max)) of FBZSO (0.49microg/mL) and FBZSO(2) (0.60microg/mL) were detected at (t(max)) 5.67 and 8.00h, respectively, following administration of FBZSO. The area under the curve (AUC) of the sulphone metabolite (10.33microg h/mL) was significantly higher than that of the parent drug FBZSO (5.17microg h/mL). C(max) of albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) (0.08g/mL) and albendazole sulphone (ABZSO(2)) (0.04microg/mL) were obtained at 5.71 and 8.00h, respectively, following ABZ administration. The AUC of the sulphoxide metabolite (0.84microg h/mL) of ABZ was significantly higher than that of the sulphone metabolite (0.50microg h/mL). The highest dry-faecal concentrations of parent molecules were detected at 32, 34 and 30h for FBZSO, FBZ and ABZ, respectively. The sulphide metabolite was significantly higher than the parent molecule after FBZSO administration. The parent molecule was predominant in the faecal samples following FBZ administration. After ABZ administration, the parent molecule was significantly metabolised, probably by gastrointestinal microflora, to its sulphoxide metabolite (ABZSO) that showed a similar excretion profile to the parent molecule in the faecal samples. The AUC of the parent FBZ was significantly higher than that of FBZSO and ABZ in faeces. It is concluded that the plasma concentration of FBZSO was significantly higher than that of FBZ and ABZ. Although ABZ is not licensed for use in Equidae, its metabolites presented a greater plasma kinetic profile than FBZ which is licensed for use in horses. A higher metabolic capacity, first-pass effects and lower absorption of benzimidazoles in donkeys decrease bioavailability and efficacy compared to ruminants.     

Comparative plasma disposition of fenbendazole, oxfendazole and albendazole in dogs

The plasma disposition of fenbendazole (FBZ), oxfendazole (OFZ) and albendazole (ABZ); and the enantiospecific disposition of OFZ, and ABZSO produced were investigated following an oral administration (50 mg/kg) in dogs. Blood samples were collected from 1 to 120 h post-administration. The plasma samples were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The plasma concentration of FBZ, OFZ, ABZ and their metabolites were significantly different from each other and depended on the drug administered. The sulphone metabolite (FBZSO2) of FBZ was not detected in any plasma samples and the parent molecule ABZ did not reach quantifiable concentrations following FBZ and ABZ administration, respectively. OFZ and its sulphone metabolite attained a significantly higher plasma concentration and remained much longer in plasma compared with FBZ and ABZ and their respective metabolites. The maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax), area under the concentration time curve (AUC) and mean residence time (MRT) of parent OFZ were more than 30, 68 and 2 times those of FBZ, respectively. The same parameters for ABZSO were also significantly greater than those of FBZSO. The ratio for total AUCs of both the parent drug and the metabolites were 1:42:7 for following FBZ, OFZ and ABZ administration, respectively. The enantiomers were never in racemic proportions and (+) enantiomers of both OFZ and ABZSO were predominant in plasma. The AUC of (+) enantiomers of OFZ and ABZSO was, respectively more than three and seven times larger than that of (-) enantiomers of both molecules. It is concluded that the plasma concentration of OFZ was substantially greater compared with FBZ and ABZ. The data on the pharmacokinetic profile of OFZ presented here may contribute to evaluate its potential as an anthelmintic drug for parasite control in dogs.     

Plasma achiral and chiral pharmacokinetic behaviour of intravenous oxfendazole co-administered with piperonyl butoxide in sheep

Co-administration of piperonyl butoxide (PB) potentiates fenbendazole (FBZ) in small ruminants. The resultant increase in bioavailability of FBZ and its metabolite oxfendazole (OFZ) has important implications for the efficacy of these drugs against benzimidazole (BZD)-resistant strains of Teladorsagia circumcincta. This study evaluated the racemic (achiral) and enantiomeric (chiral) plasma disposition kinetics of OFZ and its metabolites after the co-administration of PB and OFZ in sheep. Six 6-8-month-old, parasite-free, female Dorset sheep (30-40 kg) were used in a two-phase crossover experiment. In phase I, three sheep received 30 mg/kg PB orally, followed by a single intravenous (i.v.) injection of OFZ at 5 mg/kg. The other three animals were treated similarly except that 5 mL of water replaced PB. In phase 2, treatments for the two groups were reversed and were given 14 days after the initiation of phase I. Three analytes OFZ, FBZ and fenbendazole sulphone (FBZSO(2)) were recovered in plasma up to 48 h post-treatment in both experimental groups. Achiral and chiral pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles for OFZ, after the co-administration of PB, were characterized by a significantly greater area under the concentration--time curve (AUC) and a longer mean residence time (MRT). Chiral OFZ distribution ratios were comparable in both treatment groups. Piperonyl butoxide treatment markedly influenced the plasma PK profiles for FBZ and FBZSO(2) following OFZ administration. Production of FBZ was enhanced as reflected by increased (> 60%) AUC, delayed T(max) and a significantly delayed (> 45%) elimination (t(1/2)(el)). Although AUC values for FBZSO(2) were not significantly different between groups, this metabolite was depleted more slowly from plasma (t(1/2)(el) > 60% and MRT > 42%) following PB treatment. This study demonstrated that PB co-administration is associated with an inhibition of OFZ biotransformation, as evidenced by the significantly higher plasma concentrations of OFZ and FBZ, and this could have important implications in terms of anti-parasite therapy against BZD-resistant parasite strains.     

Influence of ruminal distribution on norfloxacin pharmacokinetics in adult sheep

Norfloxacin (NF) ruminal distribution after intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.) and oral (p.o.) administration was determined in order to assess the influence of the rumen on the pharmacokinetic behaviour of NF in sheep. Norfloxacin concentrations in rumen were detected after i.v. and i.m. administrations between 4 and 48 h in all animals studied. The experimental distribution ratios after i.v. and i.m. administration expressed as area under the concentration-time curve ratios AUC(rumen)/AUC(plasma) were 0.24 and 0.39, respectively, and thus lower than corresponding predicted value of 5.06. Apparently, drug persisted in the rumen content longer than in plasma. The experimental mean residence time ratios MRT(rumen)/MRT(plasma) after i.v. and i.m. administrations were 2.33 and 1.66, respectively. After p.o. administration, NF concentrations in the rumen content were extremely high compared with the respective plasma concentrations, resulting in mean peak concentrations ratio C(max-rumen)/C(max-plasma) of 383.66 and AUC(rumen)/AUC(plasma) experimental ratio of 402.32. This value was considerably higher (approximately 79 fold) than the predicted distribution ratio of 5.06. Our results suggest that the limited p.o. bioavailability of NF in ruminants could not be attributed to ruminal degradation.     

Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics of Sulphadiazine,N<Superscript>4</Superscript>-acetylsulphadiazine and Trimethoprim following Intravenous and Intramuscular Administration of a Sulphadiazine/Trimethoprim Combination in Sheep

The combination of sulphadiazine and trimethoprim is extensively used in farm animal species; however, there are no data concerning its pharmacokinetics after intramuscular administration in sheep. Twelve rams of the Chios breed were used to study the disposition of sulphadiazine, its metabolite N⁴-acetylsulphadiazine and trimethoprim after intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration of a sulphadiazine/trimethoprim (5:1) combination in sheep. Sulphadiazine bioavailability (±SD) was 69.00%±10.51%. The half-life of the terminal phase (4.10±0.58 h afteri. v., and 4.03±0.31 h after i.m. administration) was significantly higher than the respective value for trimethoprim (0.59±0.19 h) afteri.v. administration. The maintenance of a constant plasma concentration ratio after i.v. administration was therefore impossible. The acetylation capacity in sheep, determined by the AUC ratio between N⁴-acetylsulphadiazine and the parent compound, sulphadiazine, was very low (less than 4%). The most remarkable finding of this study was that trimethoprim was not detected in sheep plasma after i.m. injection. In conclusion, according to the findings of the present study, following i.v. administration of the sulphadiazine/trimethoprim combination, trimethoprim can be considered as the limiting factor for any possible synergistic effect, and the i.m. route cannot be recommended in sheep.     

Dose-dependent systemic exposure of albendazole metabolites in lambs

The gastrointestinal absorption of most drugs follows a first-order kinetics, whereby a constant fraction of the total drug is absorbed in each equal time interval. Although this related absorption principle is applicable to the most of the therapeutically used drugs, it remains unclear for poorly water-soluble compounds such as the benzimidazole anthelmintics in ruminants. The goal of the current work was to characterize the albendazole (ABZ) metabolites plasma disposition kinetics after ABZ administration at different dosages to nematode-infected lambs. Eighteen Corriedale lambs artificially infected with a resistant Haemonchus contortus strain were allocated into three groups and intraruminally treated with ABZ at either 5 (ABZ(5)), 15 (ABZ(15)) or 45 (ABZ(45)) mg/kg. Blood samples were collected up to 120 h post-treatment, and the collected plasma was analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The estimated pharmacokinetic parameters were statistically compared using parametric and nonparametric tests. None of the animals involved in the current trial showed any adverse events during the study. While ABZ parent drug was not recovered in the bloodstream, the area under the concentration vs time curve (AUC) of the active ABZ-sulphoxide (ABZSO) metabolite increased significantly (P<0.05) from 21.0 (ABZ(5)) up to 158.6 (ABZ(15)) and 389.7 μg·h/mL (ABZ(45)), which indicates some type of nonproportionality in the relationship between dose level and drug systemic exposure. The overall kinetic disposition of the inactive sulphone metabolite did not change after treatment at threefold the therapeutic ABZ dosage. However, significantly (P<0.05) higher AUC, C(max) and mean residence time values were observed after the administration of the highest dosage level. The higher dosages accounted for a significantly (P<0.05) enhancement of the ABZSO peak plasma concentration, which were obtained at delayed times post-treatment. High correlations between AUC(0-LOQ) and C(max) and nematode counts were observed, with Spearman's coefficients of -0.83 and -0.84, respectively. The results obtained in the current experiment show that increasing the dose of ABZ in sheep is clearly associated with enhanced plasma ABZ metabolites exposure. The data showed a nonproportionality on the gastrointestinal absorption of ABZ in nematode-infected lambs.     

Gastrointestinal distribution of albendazole metabolites following netobimin administration to cattle: relationship with plasma disposition kinetics

The gastrointestinal (GI) distribution and plasma disposition kinetics of alberidazole (ABZ) metabolites after oral administration of netobirnin (NTB) to cattle were studied. Eight Holstein steers (150–180 kg) were surgically fitted with permanent cannulae in the rumen, abomasum and ileum. After post-surgical recovery, the ariinials were treated orally with a suspension of neto1)imin zwitterion (400 mg/ml) at 20 nig/kg. Jugular blood and ruminal, abomasal arid ileal fluid samples were taken serially over a 96 h period and analysed by HPLC for NTB and its metabolites, including ABZ, ABZ sulphoxide (ABZSO), AH% sulphone (ABZSO?) and amino-albendazole sulphone (NHp4BZSOy). N T B parent drug was only fonnd in the G I tract and for only 12–18 h post-treatment. ABZSO and ABZSOp were the main metabolites found in plasma, being present for 30–36 h. These metabolites were exchanged between plasma and different GI fluids and were greatly concentrated in the abomasum. This phenornenori may account for the presence of ABZ, ABZSO and ABZSO? in the GI tract f'or 72 h post-treatment despite the fact that ABZ was riot detected in plasma and ABZSO and ABZSO.;, were detected for only 30–36 h in plasma. The presence o f ABZ and ABZSO in the abomasum and intestine for this extended period of time is probably relevant for anthelmintic efficacy against GI parasites. The NH₂ ABZSO₂ metabolite was detected in plasma, abomasum and ileum and its disposition kinetics were characterized for the first time.     

Pharmacokinetics of monepantel and its sulfone metabolite, monepantel sulfone, after intravenous and oral administration in sheep

The pharmacokinetic properties of the developmental Amino-Acetonitrile Derivative (AAD), monepantel and its sulfone metabolite, monepantel sulfone were investigated in sheep following intravenous (i.v.) and oral administrations. The sulfone metabolite was rapidly formed and predominated over monepantel 4 h after dosing, irrespective of the route of administration. The steady-state volume of distribution, total body clearance and mean residence time of monepantel were 7.4 L/kg, 1.49 L/(kg·h) and 4.9 h, respectively and 31.2 L/kg, 0.28 L/(kg·h) and 111 h, respectively for monepantel sulfone. The overall bioavailability of monepantel was 31%, but it was demonstrated that approximately the same amount of monepantel sulfone was produced whether monepantel was given intravenously or orally ( AUC _(0–∞) oral/ AUC _(0–∞) i.v. of 94% for monepantel sulfone), making oral administration a very efficient route of administration for monepantel in terms of the amount of sulfone metabolite generated. Because monepantel sulfone is the main chemical entity present in sheep blood after monepantel administration and because it is also an active metabolite, its pharmacokinetic properties are of primary importance for the interpretation of future residue and efficacy studies. Overall, these pharmacokinetic data aid in the evaluation of monepantel as an oral anthelmintic in sheep.     

Disposition kinetics of albendazole and metabolites in laying hens

Bistoletti, M., Alvarez, L., Lanusse, C., Moreno, L. Disposition kinetics of albendazole and metabolites in laying hens. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.  36 , 161–168. An increasing prevalence of roundworm parasites in poultry, particularly in litter‐based housing systems, has been reported. However, few anthelmintic drugs are commercially available for use in avian production systems. The anthelmintic efficacy of albendazole (ABZ) in poultry has been demonstrated well. The goal of this work was to characterize the ABZ and metabolites plasma disposition kinetics after treatment with different administration routes in laying hens. Twenty‐four laying hens Plymouth Rock Barrada were distributed into three groups and treated with ABZ as follows: intravenously at 10 mg/kg (ABZ i.v.); orally at the same dose (ABZ oral); and in medicated feed at 10 mg/kg·day for 7 days (ABZ feed). Blood samples were taken up to 48 h posttreatment (ABZ i.v. and ABZ oral) and up to 10 days poststart feed medication (ABZ feed). The collected plasma samples were analyzed using high‐performance liquid chromatography. ABZ and its albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) and ABZSO₂ metabolites were recovered in plasma after ABZ i.v. administration. ABZ parent compound showed an initial concentration of 16.4 ± 2.0 μg/mL, being rapidly metabolized into the ABZSO and ABZSO₂ metabolites. The ABZSO maximum concentration (C_max) (3.10 ± 0.78 μg/mL) was higher than that of ABZSO₂C_max (0.34 ± 0.05 μg/mL). The area under the concentration vs time curve (AUC) for ABZSO (21.9 ± 3.6 μg·h/mL) was higher than that observed for ABZSO₂ and ABZ (7.80 ± 1.02 and 12.0 ± 1.6 μg·h/mL, respectively). The ABZ body clearance (Cl) was 0.88 ± 0.11 L·h/kg with an elimination half‐life (T_1/2el) of 3.47 ± 0.73 h. The T_1/2el for ABZSO and ABZSO₂ were 6.36 ± 1.50 and 5.40 ± 1.90 h, respectively. After ABZ oral administration, low ABZ plasma concentrations were measured between 0.5 and 3 h posttreatment. ABZ was rapidly metabolized to ABZSO (C_max, 1.71 ± 0.62 μg/mL) and ABZSO₂ (C_max, 0.43 ± 0.04 μg/mL). The metabolite systemic exposure (AUC) values were 18.6 ± 2.0 and 10.6 ± 0.9 μg·h/mL for ABZSO and ABZSO₂, respectively. The half‐life values after ABZ oral were similar (5.91 ± 0.60 and 5.57 ± 1.19 h for ABZSO and ABZSO₂, respectively) to those obtained after ABZ i.v. administration. ABZ was not recovered from the bloodstream after ABZ feed administration. AUC values of ABZSO and ABZSO₂ were 61.9 and 92.4 μg·h/mL, respectively. The work reported here provides useful information on the pharmacokinetic behavior of ABZ after both i.v. and oral administrations in hens, which is a useful first step to evaluate its potential as an anthelmintic tool for use in poultry.     

Interaction of host physiology and efficacy of antiparasitic drugs

Antiparasitic drugs must be conducted to the parasite by the host and are therefore subject to physiological and biochemical processes in the host. Usually the efficacy of an antiparasitic drug will depend on a toxic concentration being presented to the parasite for sufficient time to lead to irreversible damage. Because many drugs are, in part, absorbed and transported to the site of the parasite by the circulatory system the area under the plasma concentration curve (AUC) may reflect availability of drug to the parasite and likely efficacy. A number of host physiological factors affect the AUC. Many anthelmintics are given orally as solids. Some absorption occurs in the rumen of ruminants, but many heterocyclic compounds such as the benzimidazoles require the low pH of the abomasum or gastric stomach to render them soluble. Certain disease states, including gastrointestinal parasitism, can cause the gastric pH to rise. This may in turn reduce solubility and absorption with resultant faster rate of excretion, particularly when accompanied by diarrhoea, and a reduced AUC. Once the anthelmintic has been absorbed, after oral or systemic administration, it is usually rapidly transported to the liver. The liver and adipose tissue may store the drug, releasing it over a period to produce a sustained effect as occurs with ivermectin, or it may rapidly metabolise it. A few anthelmintics, such as febantel, probably need to be metabolised in order to become active. However, more frequently the liver is involved in oxidation or reduction, followed by conjugation with sulfate, glucuronide or glutathione to render the drug more polar, to increase its molecular weight, inactivate it and facilitate its excretion. The rate of metabolism has been found to vary considerably between species and thus different dose rates and treatment are often required to achieve adequate antiparasite activity, with species such as deer, cattle and probably goats metabolising some anthelmintics faster than sheep. Some interesting possibilities for altering the absorption and metabolism of anthelmintics by the host may allow improved efficacy and reliability of antiparasite activity without necessarily increasing the dose rate of anthelmintic.     

Evaluation of the interaction between ivermectin and albendazole following their combined use in lambs

Mixtures of drugs from different chemical families have been proposed as a valid strategy to delay the development of anthelmintic resistance. The current work summarizes the outcome of the evaluation of the plasma disposition kinetics of albendazole (ABZ) and ivermectin (IVM) administered either alone or co-administered to lambs infected with gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes resistant to both anthelmintic molecules. Thirty six (36) Corriedale lambs naturally infected with multiple resistant GI nematodes were allocated into six treatment groups: (a) ABZ intravenous (ABZ(IV)); (b) IVM(IV); (c) ABZ(IV) + IVM(IV); (d) ABZ intraruminal (IR); (e) IVM subcutaneous (SC) and (f) ABZ(IR) + IVM(SC). Plasma samples were collected over 15 days post-treatment and analysed by HPLC. The estimated pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were statistically compared using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. The presence of IVM did not affect the plasma disposition kinetics of ABZ and its metabolites after the i.v. administration. However, the ABZ sulphoxide (ABZSO) area under the concentration vs. time curve (AUC) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) after the intraruminal (i.r.) administration of ABZ alone compared to that obtained for the combined treatment with IVM [subcutaneous (s.c.) injection]. The IVM plasma AUC obtained after its i.v. co-administration with ABZ was 88% higher (P < 0.05) compared to the treatment with IVM alone. Any marked difference on IVM PK parameters was observed between the treatments ABZ + IVM and IVM alone injected subcutaneously. The data obtained here indicate that the co-administration of ABZ and IVM does not induce an adverse kinetic interaction. This type of pharmacology-based evaluation of drug interactions is becoming highly relevant as drug combinations are now widely used as an alternative to control resistant helminth parasites in livestock.     

Hepatic biotransformation pathways and ruminal metabolic stability of the novel anthelmintic monepantel in sheep and cattle

Monepantel (MNP) is a new amino‐acetonitrile derivative anthelmintic drug used for the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes in sheep. The present work investigated the main enzymatic pathways involved in the hepatic biotransformation of MNP in sheep and cattle. The metabolic stability in ruminal fluid of both the parent drug and its main metabolite (monepantel sulphone, MNPSO₂) was characterized as well. Additionally, the relative distribution of both anthelmintic molecules between the fluid and particulate phases of the ruminal content was studied. Liver microsomal fractions from six (6) rams and five (5) steers were incubated with a 40 μm of MNP. Heat pretreatment (50 °C for 2 min) of liver microsomes was performed for inactivation of the flavin‐monooxygenase (FMO) system. Additionally, MNP was incubated in the presence of 4, 40, and 80 μm of methimazole (MTZ), a FMO inhibitor, or equimolar concentrations of piperonyl butoxide (PBx), a well‐known general cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibitor. In both ruminant species, MNPSO₂ was the main metabolite detected after MNP incubation with liver microsomes. The conversion rate of MNP into MNPSO₂ was fivefold higher (P < 0.05) in sheep (0.15 ± 0.08 nmol/min·mg) compared to cattle. In sheep, the relative involvement of both FMO and CYP systems (FMO/CYP) was 36/64. Virtually, only the CYP system appeared to be involved in the production of MNPSO₂ in cattle liver. Methimazole significantly reduced (41 to 79%) the rate of MNPSO₂ production in sheep liver microsomes whereas it did not inhibit MNP oxidation in cattle liver microsomes. On the other hand, PBx inhibited the production of MNPSO₂ in liver microsomes of both sheep (58 to 98%, in a dose‐dependent manner) and cattle (almost 100%, independently of the PBx concentration added). The incubation of MNP and MNPSO₂ with ruminal contents of both species showed a high chemical stability without evident metabolism and/or degradation as well as an extensive degree of adsorption (83% to 90%) to the solid phase of the ruminal content. Overall, these results are a further contribution to the understanding of the metabolic fate of this anthelmintic drug in ruminants.     

Enhanced Plasma Availability of the Metabolites of Albendazole in Fasted Adult Sheep

Lifschitz, A., Virkel G., Mastromarino, M. and Lanusse C., 1997. Enhanced plasma availability of the metabolites of albendazole in fasted adult sheep. Veterinary Research Communications, 21 (3), 201-211The influence of fasting prior to treatment and of dosing rate on the plasma availability and disposition kinetics of albendazole (ABZ) and its sulphoxide (ABZSO) and sulphone (ABZSO2) metabolites was studied in adult sheep grazing on pasture. A micronized suspension of ABZ was administered orally at either 7.5 mg/kg (group A) or 11.3 mg/kg (group C) to sheep fed ad libitum, and at 7.5 mg/kg to sheep subjected to a 24 h fasting period prior to treatment (group B). Blood samples were taken serially over 96 h after treatment, and the plasma was analysed for ABZ and its metabolites by high-performance liquid chromatography. ABZSO and ABZSO2 were recovered from the plasma. Fasting induced marked modifications in the pharmacokinetic behaviour of the ABZ metabolites in sheep. An extended absorption process, with a delayed peak concentration in the plasma, was observed for both metabolites in the fasted sheep. Significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) values were obtained for both metabolites in the fasted animals compared to those fed ad libitum. Delayed elimination with prolonged detection in plasma was also observed in the fasted sheep. Treatment with ABZ at 7.5 mg/kg in the starved animals resulted in bioequivalence to the administration of the compound at a 50% higher dose rate (11.3 mg/kg) in the fed animals. It is suggested that fasting enhances ABZ dissolution and absorption by delaying its passage down the digestive tract.     

Clorsulon pharmacokinetics in sheep and goats following oral and intravenous administration

Clorsulon was measured in plasma and urine of sheep and goats after administration of a single intravenous (i.v.) and after a single oral dose of 7 mg/kg. A three-compartment model with elimination occurring from the central compartment was determined to best describe the i.v. data, whereas a one-compartment model with a single exponential absorption phase best described the oral plasma data. The bioavailability of orally administered clorsulon was approximately 55% in goats and 60% in sheep. Peak plasma concentrations occurred at 14 h and 15 h after oral administration in goats and sheep, respectively. Absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract effectively prolonged the elimination of clorsulon by increasing the elimination half-life from 17 to 28 h in sheep and from 12 to 23 h in goats for the i.v. and oral routes, respectively. In both goats and sheep, approximately 50% of the i.v. dose was recovered in urine as parent drug at 48 h after administration, whereas 41% and 30% of the dose was recovered after oral administration for goats and sheep, respectively. The elimination rate constant (kel) in goats was nearly twice as large as the value determined in sheep, and the urea under the i.v. plasma curve in goats was only 63% of the value in sheep indicating that goats are more effective in their capacity to eliminate clorsulon than are sheep. These differences in drug disposition between sheep and goats may account for the reduced efficacy of clorsulon reported in goats.     

Pharmacokinetics of diclofenac and its interaction with enrofloxacin in sheep

The pharmacokinetics of diclofenac was investigated in sheep given diclofenac alone (1mgkg(-1), i.v. or i.m.) and in combination with enrofloxacin (5mgkg(-1), i.v.). The plasma concentration-time data following i.v. administration of diclofenac was best described by a two compartment open pharmacokinetic model. The elimination half-life (t(1/2beta)), area under concentration-time-curve (AUC), volume of distribution (Vd(area)), mean residence time (MRT) and total body clearance (Cl(B)) were 1.03+/-0.18h, 12.17+/-1.98microg h ml(-1), 0.14+/-0.02Lkg(-1), 1.36+/-0.16h and 0.10+/-0.02Lkg(-1)h(-1), respectively. Following i.m. administration of diclofenac alone and in conjunction with enrofloxacin, the plasma concentration-time data best fitted to a one compartment open model. The t(1/2beta), AUC, Vd(area), MRT and Cl(B) were 1.33+/-0.10h, 7.32+/-1.01microg h mL(-1), 0.13+/-0.01Lkg(-1) and 0.07+/-0.01Lkg(-1)h(-1), respectively. Co-administration of enrofloxacin did not affect Vd(area) and MRT but absorption rate constant (K(a)), beta, t1/2Ka, t1/2beta, AUC, AUMC, Cl(B) and bioavailability (F) were significantly increased. This may be due to direct inhibition of cytochrome P(450) isozymes by enrofloxacin. A dose of 1.4mgkg(-1) of diclofenac administered every 6h may be appropriate for use in sheep.     

Metabolite concentrations in plasma following treatment of cattle with five anthelmintics

Plasma concentrations of anthelmintics and their metabolites were determined after cattle were treated at recommended dose rates and routes of administration. Fenbendazole, oxfendazole, febantel, albendazole and thiabendazole were given orally and oxfendazole was also administered with an intraruminal injector. After fenbendazole, oxfendazole and febantel were administered, fenbendazole, oxfendazole and fenbendazole sulphone were all detected in plasma in each case. However, there were marked differences between the three anthelmintics in the peak concentrations and areas under the plasma concentration/time curve (AUC) of these three metabolites. Intraruminal administration of oxfendazole produced higher AUC for fenbendazole and fenbendazole sulphone than did oral administration. Albendazole sulphoxide and sulphone were detected in cattle plasma after albendazole administration but no parent drug was present. These metabolites disappeared more rapidly in cattle than has been reported for sheep. Only 5(6)hydroxythiabendazole was detected in cattle plasma after thiabendazole treatment.