The pharmacokinetics of a slow-release theophylline preparation in horses after intravenous and oral administration

The pharmacokinetics of a slow-release theophylline formulation was investigated following intravenous and oral administration at 10 mg/kg in horses. A tricompartmental model was selected to describe the intravenous plasma profile. The elimination half-life (t1/2) was 16.91 ± 0.93 h, the apparent volume of distribution (V _d) was 1.35 ± 0.18 L/kg and the body clearance (Cl_B) was 0.061 ± 0.009 L kg^–1 h. After oral administration the half-life of absorption was 1.24 ± 0.30 h, and the calculated bioavailability was above 100%. Thet1/2 after oral administration was 18.51 ± 1.75 h, only a little longer than that after intravenous administration. The slow release formulation did not exhibit any advantage in prolonging thet1/2 of theophylline in the horse.     

Pharmacokinetics of benzydamine in dairy cows following intravenous or intramuscular administration

Five lactating cows were given benzydamine hydrochloride by rapid intravenous (0.45 mg/kg) and by intramuscular (0.45 and 1.2 mg/kg) injection in a crossover design. The bioavailability, pharmacokinetic parameters and excretion in milk of benzydamine were evaluated. After intravenous administration, the disposition kinetics of benzydamine was best described using a two-compartment open model. Drug disposition and elimination were fast (t _1/2: 11.13±3.76 min;t _1/2: 71.98±24.75 min; MRT 70.69±11.97 min). Benzydamine was widely distributed in the body fluids and tissues (V _d(area): 3.549±1.301 L/kg) and characterized by a high value for body clearance (33.00±5.54 ml/kg per min). After intramuscular administration the serum concentration-time curves fitted a one-compartment open model. Following a dose of 0.45 mg/kg, theC _max value was 38.13±4.2 ng/ml at at _max of 67.13±4.00 min; MAT and MRT were 207.33±22.64 min and 278.01±12.22 min, respectively. Benzydamine bioavailability was very high (92.07%±7.08%). An increased intramuscular dose (1.2 mg/kg) resulted in longer serum persistence (MRT 420.34±86.39 min) of the drug, which was also detectable in milk samples collected from both the first and second milking after treatment.Abbreviations HPLC high-pressure liquid chromatography - IC50 concentration to inhibit the activity of an organism by 50% - IM intramuscular(ly) - IV intravenous(ly) - NSAID non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs - pK _a negative logarithm of the ionization constant (K _a) of a drug; other abbreviations are listed in footnotes to tables     

Some Pharmacokinetic Parameters of Pefloxacin in Lactating Goats

The aim of this study was to elucidate some of the pharmacokinetic parameters of pefloxacin in lactating goats (n = 5) following intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) injections of 10 mg/kg bw. Serially obtained serum, milk and urine samples were collected at precise time intervals, and the drug concentrations were assayed using a microbiological assay. A two-compartment open model best described the decrease of pefloxacin concentration in the serum after intravenous administration. The maximum serum concentration (C _p ⁰ ) was 8.4±0.48 g/ml; elimination half-life (t _1/2) was 1.6±0.3 h; total body clearance (Cl_tot) was 3.6±0.3 L/kg/h; steady-state volume of distribution (V _dss) was 5.14±0.21 L/kg; and the area under the curve (AUC) was 2.78±0.22 g.ml/h. Pefloxacin was absorbed rapidly after i.m. injection with an absorption half-life (t _1/2ab) of 0.32±0.02 h. The peak serum concentration (C _max) of 0.86±0.08 g/ml was attained at 0.75 h (T _max). The absolute bioavailability after i.m. administration was 70.63±1.13% and the serum protein-bound fraction ranged from 7.2% to 14.3%, with an average value of 9.8±1.6%. Penetration of pefloxacin from the blood into the milk was rapid and extensive, and the pefloxacin concentration in milk exceeded that in serum from 1 h after administration. The drug was detected in milk and urine for 10 and 72 h, respectively; no samples were taken after 72 h.     

The pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime in lactating and non-lactating cows

The pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime (CAZ) were studied in lactating (LTG) and non-lactating (NLTG) cows. Two groups (LTG and NLTG) of 5 healthy dairy cows were given ceftazidime (10 mg/ kg body weight) intravenously (i.v.) and intramuscularly (i.m.). Serum and milk (LTG) and serum samples (NLTG) were collected over a 24-h period post-administration. CAZ concentrations in serum and milk were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, and an interactive and weighted-non-linear least-squares regression analysis was used to perform the pharmacokinetic analysis. The pharmacokinetic profiles in LTG and NLTG cows which had received CAZ i.v. fitted a three-compartment model and a two-compartment model, respectively. The CAZ concentration-time curves in serum and the area under the curve were greater and more sustained (p<0.05) in the LTG cows by both routes, while the serum clearance (Cl_s=72.5±18.1 ml/h per kg) was lower (p<0.05) than that in the NLTG cows (Cl_s=185.9±44.2 ml/h per kg). CAZ given i.v. exhibited a relatively long half-life of elimination (t _1/2 (LTG)=1.1±0.2 h; t _1/2 (NLTG)=1.4±0.3 h). Compared with other cephalosporins, CAZ had good penetration into the mammary gland (47.7±38.2% for CAZ i.v.; 51.1±39.0% for CAZ i.m.). Finally, the bioavailability of CAZ (F(LTG)=98.9±36.8%; F(NLTG)=77.1±25.3%) was suitable for its use by the i.m. route in lactating and non-lactating cows.Abbreviations AIC Akaike information criterion - AUC area under the curve - b.w. body weight - CAZ ceftazidime - Cl_s total serum clearance - C _max peak serum concentration - COM compartment open model - i.m. intramuscular(ly) - i.v. intravenous(ly) - LTG lactating - K rate constant - 1 central compartment - 2 peripheral compartment - 3 deep compartment - NLTG nonlactating - t _max time of peak serum concentration - t _1/2 half-life     

Pharmacokinetics and distribution of sulphadimidine in plasma,milk and uterine fluid of female buffaloes

The pharmacokinetics of sulphadimidine after a single dose (200 mg/kg i.v.) was studied in five healthy lactating buffaloes. The study revealed that the drug attained its peak concentration of 314.0±13.0, 242.4±3.0 and 100.2±2.5 g/ml at 15 min, 30 min and 12 h in plasma, milk and uterine fluid, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters calculated by a 2-compartment open model gave values for t₁, t₁ and vd_area of 2.10±0.36 h, 12.36±0.57 h and 1.23±0.07 L/Kg, respectively. A high vd_area as well as a value of 0.74±0.08 for K₁₂:K₂₁- (tissue Plasma) indicates better penetration of the drug into the different body fluids and tissues, which is further supported by a high concentration obtained in milk and uterine fluid. The therapeutic concentration (50 g/ml) was maintained for around 24 h in plasma and milk and 12 h in uterine fluid. The results suggest that, apart from its use in systemic infections, the drug can be effectively used by the i.v. route in uterine and mammary gland infections. The dosages for maintaining concentration of 50 g/ml, 100 g/ml and 150 g/ml at convenient dosage intervals of 12 and 24 h were also determined.     

Comparative Plasma Pharmacokinetics and Tolerance of Florfenicol following Intramuscular and Intravenous Administration to Camels,Sheep and Goats

Florfenicol, a monofluorinated analogue of thiamphenicol, has a broad antibacterial spectrum. The pharmacokinetics of florfenicol was studied following a single intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) injection at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight in healthy male camels, sheep and goats. The concentration of florfenicol in plasma was determined using a microbiological assay. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using a two-compartment open model. Following i.m. administration, the maximum plasma concentration of florfenicol (C _max) reached in camels, sheep and goats was 0.84±0.08, 1.04±0.10 and 1.21±0.10 g/ml, respectively, the the time required to reach C _max (t _max) in the same three respective species was 1.51±0.14, 1.44±0.10 and 1.21±0.10 h. The terminal half-life (t _1/2) and the fraction of the drug absorbed (F%) in camels, sheep and goats were 151.3±16.33, 137.0±12.16 and 127.4±11.0 min, and 69.20%±7.8%, 65.82%±6.7% and 60.88%±5.9%, respectively. The MRT in the same three respective species was 4.01±0.45, 3.42±0.39 and 2.98±0.32 h. Following i.v. administration, the terminal half-life (t _1/2) and total body clearance (Cl_B) in camels, sheep and goats were 89.5±9.2, 78.8±8.3 and 71.1±8.9 min and 0.33±0.04, 0.30±0.03 and 0.27±0.03 L/h per kg, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC_0–) and the mean residence time (MRT) in the same three respective species were 60.61±6.98, 62.45±6.56 and 74.07±7.85 g/ml per h, and 2.71±0.31, 2.34±0.25 and 2.11±0.23 h. These data suggest that sheep and goats absorb and clear florfenicol to a broadly similar extent, but the rate and extent of absorption of the drug tends to be higher in camels. Drug treatment caused no clinically overt adverse effects. Plasma enzyme activities and metabolites indicative of hepatic and renal functions measured 1, 2, 4 and 7 days following the drug treatment were within the normal range, indicating that the drug is safe at the dose used.     

Disposition kinetics and distribution of demeclocycline in various biological fluids in female goats

A pharmacokinetic study of demeclocycline was carried out following intravenous administration at 5 mg/kg body weight in lactating goats. Demeclocycline appeared within 5 min in plasma, interstitial fluid (isf) and urine, while it appeared at 1 h in milk. Peak concentrations of 21.70±4.06, 2.67±0.23, 5.65±0.45 and 82.23±10.06 g/ml were attained at 5 min and at 6, 8 and 8 h in plasma, isf, milk and urine respectively. A potentially therapeutic concentration of 0.5 g/ml was maintained from 5 min–36 h, 30 min–30 h, 1–36 h and 5 min–48 h in plasma, isf, milk and urine respectively. The drug was detectable in all the above biological fluids for at least 48 h. A low distribution half life (t_1/2) of 0.44±0.04 h and a high elimination half life (t_1/2) of 19.24±1.22 h denote rapid distribution but very slow elimination of the drug in goats. A high tissue plasma concentration ratio [K₁₂:(K_2I–)] of 5.12±0.97 during the elimination phase and a Vd_area of 1.59±0.18 L/kg indicate uniform distribution of demeclocycline in the tissues and body fluids of goats. The dosage regimen for maintaining minimum plasma concentration (C min = MIC) of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/ml at selected dosage intervals of 12 and 24 h was also calculated.     

Pharmacokinetics of Pefloxacin in Goats after Intravenous or Oral Administration

The plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetics of the fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent pefloxacin, following the administration of a single intravenous (10 mg/kg) or oral (20 mg/kg) dose, were investigated in healthy female goats. The antimicrobial activity in plasma was measured at predetermined times after drug administration by an agar well diffusion microbiological assay, using Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) as the test organism. Concentrations of the drug 0.25 g/ml were maintained in plasma for up to 6 and 10 h after intravenous (IV) or oral administration of pefloxacin, respectively. The concentration–time data for pefloxacin in plasma after IV or oral administration conformed to two- and one-compartment open models, respectively. Plasma pefloxacin concentrations decreased rapidly during the initial phase after IV injection, with a distribution half-life (t _1/2 ) of 0.10±0.01 h. The terminal phase had a half-life (t _1/2 ) of 1.12±0.21 h. The volume of distribution at steady state (V _dss), mean residence time (MRT) and total systemic clearance (Cl_B) of pefloxacin were 1.08±0.09 L/kg, 1.39±0.23 h and 821±88 (ml/h)/kg, respectively. Following oral administration of pefloxacin, the maximum concentration in the plasma (C _max) was 2.22±0.48 g/ml and the interval from administration until maximum concentration (t _max) was 2.3±0.7 h. The absorption half-life (t _{1/2 ka}), mean absorption time (MAT) and elimination half-life of pefloxacin were 0.82±0.40, 4.2±1.0 and 2.91±0.50 h, respectively. The oral bioavailability of pefloxacin was 42%±5.8%. On the basis of the pharmacokinetic data, a dosage regimen of 20 mg/kg, IV at 8 h intervals or orally twice daily, is suggested for treating infections caused by drug-sensitive pathogens in goats.     

The disposition kinetics and residues of fenvalerate in tissues following a single dermal application to black bengal goats

The disposition kinetics of fenvalerate were studied in goats after dermal application of 100 ml of 0.25% (w/v) solution. The insecticide persisted in the blood for 72 h. The mean (±SEM) V _d(area) and apparent t _1/2 () were 9.92±1.44 L/kg and 17.51±2.65 h, while the AUC and Cl_B values were respectively 82.15±7.40 g h/ml and 0.56±0.05 L/(kg h). Four days after the dermal application, the highest concentration of fenvalerate residues was found in the adrenal gland, followed by the biceps muscle, omental fat, liver, kidney, lung and cerebrum in that order. Fenvalerate caused hyperglycaemia but had no effect on serum protein and cholesterol levels. Serum acetylcholinesterase activities were increased after 24 h but were below the initial values from 48 to 120 h.Abbreviations Ache acetylcholinestase - AUC total area under the blood insecticide concentration-versus-time curve - Cl_B total body clearance - GLC gas-liquid chromatography - t _1/2() apparent elimination half-life - V _d(area) apparent volume of insecticide distribution based on area method     

Pharmacokinetics of Oleandomycin in Dogs After Intravenous or Oral Administration Alone and After Pretreatment With Metamizole or Dexamethasone

The pharmacokinetics of oleandomycin OLD) after intravenous and oral administration, both alone and after intramuscular pretreatment with metamizole or dexamethasone, were studied in healthy dogs. After intravenous injection of OLD alone 10 mg/kg as bolus), the elimination half-life t _1/2, volume of distribution V _{d, area}), body clearance CL_B) and area under the concentration-time curve AUC) were 1.60 h, 1.11 L/kg, 7.36 ml/kg)/min and 21.66 µg h/ml, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences following pretreatment with metamizole or dexamethasone. After oral administration of OLD alone, the t _frac12;, maximum plasma concentrations C _max), time of C _max t _max), mean absorption time MAT) and absolute bioavailability F _abs) were 1.68 h, 5.34 µg/ml, 1.5 h, 1.34 h and 84.29%, respectively. Pretreatment with metamizole caused a significantly decreased value for C _max 2.93 µg/ml) but the MAT value 2.23 h) was significantly increased. Statistically significant changes in the pharmacokinetic parameters of OLD following oral administration were also observed as a result of pretreatment with dexamethasone. The C _max was increased 8.24 µg/ml) and the t _max 0.5 h) and MAT 0.45 h) were lower.     

Pharmacokinetic data on doxycycline and its distribution in different biological fluids in female goats

A pharmacokinetic study of doxycycline after intravenous administration at 5 mg/kg body weight in goats revealed that a concentration of 0.5 g/ml was maintained for 5 min-2 h, 4–12 h, 2–12 h and 5 min- >48 h in plasma, interstitial fluid, milk and urine respectively. The low t1/2 of 0.73±0.11 h and high t1/2 of 16.63±1.58 h show that the drug is rapidly distributed but slowly eliminated from the body. The tissue:plasma concentration of 4.86±1.06 during the elimination phase [K12/(K21-)] indicates a high expected tissue concentration, which is supported by similarly increased drug concentration in interstitial fluid and milk. The high Vd_area of 9.78±0.86 L/kg observed denotes that, apart from its wide distribution, the drug may be stored in fat depots as it is known to be highly lipophilic. As the drug maintained a therapeutic concentration for a shorter time in plasma, and the calculated dose rate for maintaining a minimal plasma concentration of 0.5–1.5 g/ml is relatively high, it may not be of much use in treating septicaemia in this species. Since the observed tissue:plasma concentration was higher and a therapeutic concentration was maintained in interstitial fluid and milk for longer, the drug can be used for other systemic infections at a lower dose rate than that required for treating septicaemia. As the drug maintained a very high concentration in urine, it may be of particular value in treating urinary tract infections caused by sensitive micro-organisms.     

Some Pharmacokinetic Data for Danofloxacin in Healthy Goats

The pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin was determined in five clinically normal adult female goats after intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) doses of 1.25 mg/kg body weight. Blood and urine samples were collected from each animal at precise time intervals. Serum and urine concentrations were determined using microbiological assay methods and the data were subjected to kinetic analysis. After intravenous injection, the serum concentration–time curves of danofloxacin were characteristic of a two-compartment open model. The drug was rapidly distributed and eliminated with half-lives of 17.71±1.38 min and 81.18±3.70 min, respectively. The drug persisted in the central, highly perfused organs with a K ₁₂/K ₂₁ ratio of 0.67±0.25. The mean volume of distribution at a steady state (V _dss) was 1.42±0.15 L/kg. After intramuscular administration, the serum concentration peaked after 0.58±0.04 h at approximately 0.33±0.01 g/ml. While danofloxacin could be detected in serum for 4 and 6 h, it was recovered in urine for up to 24 and 72 h after IV and IM administration, respectively. The systemic bioavailability after IM injection was 65.70%±10.28% and the serum protein-bound fraction was 13.55±1.78%.     

Pharmacokinetics of sulphadoxine and trimethoprim in sows: Influence of lactation

A potentiated sulpha drug was administered intravenously to 12 sows on the 17th day of lactation and to 4 sows in early pregnancy to study the influence of lactation on its disposition kinetics. The dose-rate of sulphadoxine (SDX) used was 12 mg/kg b.w. while that of trimethoprim (TMP) was 2.4 mg/kg b.w. The pharmacokinetic parameters of SDX showed no significant difference between lactating and pregnant sows (V _ss, 0.24±0.04 L/kg; Cl _s , 0.25±0.05 ml/min per kg: MRT, 17.08±4.48 h). SDX did not accumulate in milk, the concentrations in milk being less than the concentrations in serum at the same time. Of the pharmacokinetic parameters for TMP, only the mean residence time was significantly different between the two groups (V _ss, 1.60±0.31 L/kg; Cl _s , 4.62±1.07 ml/min per kg: MRT_lactating, 5.43±1.26 h; MRT_pregnant, 7.74±1.72 h). TMP was excreted in milk to a considerable extent, the ratio of its concentration in milk to that in serum at the same time being over 2.2. These two substances show a completely different pharmacokinetic behaviour. Even though TMP is excreted more quickly in lactating sows, adjusting the dose of this potentiated sulpha drug does not seem to be appropriate.Abbreviations AUC area under the curve - AUMC area under the first-movement curve - terminal elimination rate constant - b.w. body weight - Cl _s clearance at steady state - D dose - MRT mean residence time - SD standard deviation - SDX sulphadoxine - TMP trimethoprim - V _ss apparent volume of distribution at steady state     

Plasma concentrations and tissue residues of bicozamycin given orally to pigs

Bicozamycin was dissolved in water and administered to pigs by stomach tube at 40 mg/kg once daily for 7 consecutive days. The plasma concentration was determined on days 1 and 7 of the dosing period. The mean (± SD) peak plasma concentrations were 2.06±0.36 µg/ml at 3.08±0.80 h on day 1 and 2.36±1.32 µg/ml at 2.80±0.74 h on day 7, the elimination half-lives being 3.80±0.92 h and 2.43±1.41 h, respectively. The mean areas under the plasma concentration-time curves were 15.88±2.18 (µg h)/ml on day 1 and 12.31±6.98 (µg h)/ml on day 7. These pharmacokinetic parameters did not differ between days 1 and 7, suggesting that there was no accumulation in the plasma after consecutive oral dosing. The residues in kidney, liver and muscle were examined in pigs slaughtered on days 1, 3 and 5 after the last dosing. One day after withdrawal, residues were found in the kidneys of all three pigs examined, at a mean concentration of 0.26 µg/g, and in muscle from one pig, but not in liver from any of the pigs. Bicozamycin was not detected in any of the samples taken 3 or 5 days after withdrawal.Abbreviations AUC area under the plasma concentration-time curve - C _max peak concentration - T _max time of the peak - t _1/2 elimination half-life     

Caffeine clearance in the horse

The pharmacokinetic properties of intravenously administered caffeine were studied in 10 horses using a commercially available automated enzyme immunoassay. The harmonic mean for the distribution half-life was 5.2 min (range 1.4–18.7). The harmonic mean for the elimination half-life was 10.18 h (range 6.82–20.92). The harmonic mean of the volume of distribution was 0.32 L/kg (range 0.22–0.53). There was no correlation between the dose of caffeine/kg body weight and the elimination half-life (Spearman's coefficient of rank correlation =0.19).Abbreviations AUC area under the serum concentration-time curve - AUMC area under the moment curve - BSP sulphobromophthalein - ICG indocyanine green - SD standard deviation - t _1/2 elimination half-life - V _c apparent volume of the central compartment - V _d(ss) apparent volume of distribution at steady state     

Pharmacokinetics and distribution of ampicillin in plasma,milk and uterine fluid of female buffaloes

A pharmacokinetic study of ampicillin (6 mg/kg intravenous) revealed that the peak concentrations of 17.81±1.25, 5.64±2.24 and 1.09±0.10 g/ml of the drug were attained at 15 min, 30 min and 2 h in plasma, milk and uterine fluid respectively. A therapeutic concentration of 0.1 g/ml was maintained from 15 min–8 h, 15 min–6 h and 30 min–6 h in plasma, milk and uterine fluid. Hence, the drug may be used effectively in mammary gland and uterine infections apart from its use in other systemic infections.     

Disposition Kinetics and Urinary Excretion of Pefloxacin after Intravenous Injection in Crossbred Calves

The disposition kinetics and urinary excretion of pefloxacin after a single intravenous administration of 5 mg/kg were investigated in crossbred calves and an appropriate dosage regimen was calculated. At 1 min after injection, the concentration of pefloxacin in the plasma was 18.95±0.892 g/ml, which declined to 0.13±0.02 g/ml at 10 h. The pefloxacin was rapidly distributed from the blood to the tissue compartment as shown by the high values for the initial distribution coefficient, (12.1±1.21 h^–1) and the constant for the rate of transfer of drug from the central to the peripheral compartment, K ₁₂ (8.49±0.99 h^–1). The elimination half-life and volume of distribution were 2.21±0.111 h and 1.44±0.084 L/kg, respectively. The total body clearance (Cl_B) and the ratio of the drug present in the peripheral to that in the central compartment (P/C ratio) were 0.454±0.026 L/kg h) and 5.52±0.519, respectively. On the basis of the pharmacokinetic parameters obtained in the present study, an appropriate intravenous dosage regimen for pefloxacin in cattle for most of the bacteria sensitive to it would be 6.4 mg/kg repeated at 12 h intervals.     

Intramuscular Kinetics and Dosage Regimens for Pralidoxime in Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis)

The plasma levels, disposition kinetics and a dosage regimen for pralidoxime (2-PAM) were investigated in male buffalo calves following single intramuscular administration (15 or 30 mg/kg). The effects of 2-PAM on various blood enzymes were also determined. The absorption half-life, elimination half-life, apparent volume of distribution and total body clearance of 2-PAM were 1.08±0.19 h, 3.14–3.19 h, 0.83–1.01 L/kg and 184.9–252.1 ml/(kg h), respectively. At doses of 15 and 30 mg/kg body weight, a plasma concentration 4 g/ml was maintained for up to 4 and 6 h, respectively. Pralidoxime significantly lowered the serum level of transferases, phosphatases and lactate dehydrogenase but did not influence the acetylcholinesterase and carboxylesterase enzymes. The most appropriate dosage regimen for 2-PAM in the treatment of organophosphate toxicity in buffaloes would be 25 mg/kg followed by 22 mg/kg at 8 h intervals.     

Pharmacokinetics of oxytetracycline and therapeutic implications in veal calves

Pharmacokinetic parameters of oxytetracycline were analysed in healthy preruminant veal calves after intravenous, intramuscular and oral administration. The serum half-lives in the β-elimination phase of both 10% and 20% solutions after i.v. injection of 10 mg/kg were similar (7.07 ± 1.36 h and 7.16 ± 1.17 h, mean ± SD), whereas the total body clearance and the apparent volume of distribution were higher for the 20% solution. Serum concentrations above 0.5 μg/ml were maintained with both formulations during 12–24 h but were only above 4 μg/ml to 5 h. Intramuscular administration of the 20% solution gave a complete absorption with two rate constants of absorption, a faster (t_1/2a1= 0.27 h) and a slower one (t_1/2a2= 10.90 h) responsible for the delayed elimination half-life after this route of application (t_1/2β= 9.83 ± 1.35 h). Mean serum concentrations reached a maximum level of 3.01 ± 0.72 μg/ml at 4.01 ± 2.84 h and decreased to 0.5 μg/ml between 12 and 24 h. 50 mg/kg given orally with a milk replacer were found to have a mean bioavailability of 46.35%. A mean serum peak level of 4.99 ± 1.37 μg/ml was achieved at 9.16 ± 1.99 h and the mean concentration was still above 0.5 μg/ml after 48 h. The elimination half-life (t_1/2β= 10.66 ± 3.15 h) reflected the slow absorption step (t_1/2a2= 10.15 h) following that responsible for the initial faster absorption (t_1/2a2= 1.99 h). Comparison of the area under the serum curves gave mean values of 117% for tetracycline and of 53% for chlortetracycline relative to oxytetracycline (arbitrarily fixed at 100%) after identical oral dosage of the three tetracyclines. We also propose and discuss a dosage schedule based on minimal inhibitory concentrations of different susceptible pathogens     

Pharmacokinetics and Dosage Regimen of Enrofloxacin in Buffalo Bulls after Intramuscular Administration

The disposition kinetics and dosage regimen of enrofloxacin were investigated in breeding buffalo bulls following a single intramuscular administration of 5 mg/kg. The absorption half-life, half-life of the terminal phase, apparent volume of distribution and total body clearance were 0.262±0.099 h, 1.97±0.23 h, 0.61±0.13 L/kg and 210.2±18.6 ml/(kg.h), respectively. Therapeutic plasma levels (1 g/ml) were maintained for up to 6 h. A satisfactory intramuscular dosage regimen for enrofloxacin in buffalo bulls would be 8.5 mg/kg followed by 8.0 mg/kg at 8 h intervals.