Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modelling of marbofloxacin administered alone and in combination with tolfenamic acid in calves

In a four-period, cross-over study, the fluoroquinolone antibacterial drug marbofloxacin (MB) was administered to calves, alone and in combination with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug tolfenamic acid (TA). Both drugs were administered intramuscularly (IM) at doses of 2 mg/kg. A tissue cage model of inflammation, based on the actions of the mild irritant carrageenan, was used to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of MB and MB in combination with TA. MB mean values of area under concentration-time curve (AUC) were 15.1 μg·h/mL for serum, 12.1 μg·h/mL for inflamed tissue cage fluid (exudate) and 9.6 μg·h/mL for noninflamed tissue cage fluid (transudate). Values of C(max) were 1.84, 0.35 and 0.31 μg/mL, respectively, for serum, exudate and transudate. Mean residence time (MRT) of 23.6 h (exudate) and 22.6 h (transudate) also differed significantly from serum MRT (8.6 h). Co-administration of TA did not affect the PK profile of MB. The pharmacodynamics of MB was investigated using a bovine strain of Mannheimia haemolytica. Time-kill curves were established ex vivo on serum, exudate and transudate samples. Modelling the ex vivo serum time-kill data to the sigmoid E(max) equation provided AUC(24 h) /MIC values required for bacteriostatic (18.3 h) and bactericidal actions (92 h) of MB and for virtual eradication of the organism was 139 h. Corresponding values for MB + TA were 20.1, 69 and 106 h. These data were used to predict once daily dosage schedules for a bactericidal action, assuming a MIC(90) value of 0.24 μg/mL, a dose of 2.6 mg/kg for MB and 2.19 mg/kg for MB + TA were determined, which are similar to the currently recommended dose of 2.0 mg/kg.     

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship of marbofloxacin against Pasteurella multocida in a tissue‐cage model in yellow cattle

The fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drug marbofloxacin was administered to yellow cattle intravenously and intramuscularly at a dose of 2 mg/kg of body weight in a two‐period crossover study. The pharmacokinetic properties of marbofloxacin in serum, inflamed tissue‐cage fluid (exudate), and noninflamed tissue‐cage fluid (transudate) were studied by using a tissue‐cage model. The in vitro and ex vivo activities of marbofloxacin in serum, exudate, and transudate against a pathogenic strain of Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) were determined. Integration of in vivo pharmacokinetic data with the in vitro MIC provided mean values for the area under the curve (AUC)/MIC for serum, exudate, and transudate of 155.75, 153.00, and 138.88, respectively, after intravenous dosing and 160.50, 151.00, and 137.63, respectively, after intramuscular dosing. After intramuscular dosing, the maximum concentration/MIC ratios for serum, exudate, and transudate were 21.13, 9.13, and 8.38, respectively. The ex vivo growth inhibition data after intramuscular dosing were fitted to the inhibitory sigmoid E_max equation to provide the values of AUC/MIC required to produce bacteriostasis, bactericidal activity, and elimination of bacteria. The respective values for serum were 17.25, 31.29, and 109.62, and slightly lower values were obtained for transudate and exudate. It is proposed that these findings might be used with MIC₅₀ or MIC₉₀ data to provide a rational approach to the design of dosage schedules which optimize efficacy in respect of bacteriological as well as clinical cures.     

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship of cefquinome against Pasteurella multocida in a tissue‐cage model in yellow cattle

The cephalosporin antimicrobial drug cefquinome was administered to yellow cattle intravenously (i.v.) and intramuscularly (i.m.) at a dose of 1 mg/kg of body weight in a two‐period crossover study. The pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of cefquinome in serum, inflamed tissue‐cage fluid (exudate), and noninflamed tissue‐cage fluid (transudate) were studied using a tissue‐cage model. The in vitro and ex vivo activities of cefquinome in serum, exudate, and transudate against a pathogenic strain of Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) were determined. A concentration‐independent antimicrobial activity of cefquinome was confirmed for levels lower than 4 × MIC. Integration of in vivo pharmacokinetic data with the in vitro MIC provided mean values for the time that drug levels remain above the MIC (T > MIC) in serum was 14.10 h after intravenous and 14.46 h after intramuscular dosing, indicating a likely high level of effectiveness in clinical infections caused by P. multocida of MIC 0.04 μg/mL or less. These data may be used as a rational basis for setting dosing schedules, which optimize clinical efficacy and minimize the opportunities for emergence of resistant organisms.     

Single-dose pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin in Egyptian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis L.) steers

The objective of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin (MAR) following intravenous (iv) and intramuscular (im) administration of a 2.0 mg/kg body weight dosage to five healthy Egyptian buffalo steers. A cross-over design was used with a washout period of 2 weeks. Blood samples were obtained at 0, 5,10,15, and 20 min and at 0.5,0.75,1,2,4,6,8,10,12,24,30 and 48 hours after marbofloxacin administration.The serum marbofloxacin concentrations were quantitated using a modified agar diffusion bioassay method. Marbofloxacin exhibited a relatively high volume of distribution at steady-state (Vdss = 1.77 Lkg), which suggests good tissue penetration, and a total body clearance (Cltot) of 0.18 L/kgxh,which is associated with a long elimination half-life (tl/2beta = 7.52 h). Marbofloxacin was rapidly absorbed at a dosage of 2.0 mg/kg after im administration with an observed maximum serum concentration (Cmax) value of 2.004 microg/mL obtained at a time to peak concentration (tmax) of 0.5 h, and an absolute bioavailability (F %) of 86.79 +/- 5.53 %.The protein-binding ranged from 22 to 24.6 % with an average of 23.4 %. In conclusion, single iv and im administered doses of marbofloxacin were well tolerated by Egyptian buffalo steers. A dosage of 2 mg/kg body weight might not be enough to treat infections caused by bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) at or above 0.2 microg/mL, based on the calculated area under the inhibitory concentration (AUIC).     

Pharmacodynamics of oxytetracycline administered alone and in combination with carprofen in calves

The pharmacodynamics (PD) of oxytetracycline was investigated against a strain of Mannheimia haemolytica. In vitro measurements, comprising minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration and time-kill curves, were conducted in five matrices; Mueller Hinton Broth (MHB), cation-adjusted MHB (CAMHB) and calf serum, exudate and transudate. MICs were much higher in the biological fluids than in MHB and CAMHB. Ratios of MIC were, serum: CAMHB 19 : 1; exudate:CAMHB 16.1; transudate:CAMHB 14 : 1. Ex vivo data, generated in the tissue cage model of inflammation, demonstrated that oxytetracycline, administered to calves intramuscularly at a dose rate of 20 mg/kg, did not inhibit the growth of M haemolytica in serum, exudate and transudate, even at peak concentration. However, using in vitro susceptibility in CAMHB and in vivo-determined pharmacokinetic (PK) variables, average and minimum oxytetracycline concentrations relative to MIC (C(av)/MIC and C(min)/MIC) predicted achievement of efficacy for approximately 48 hours after dosing. Similar C(av)/MIC and C(min)/MIC data were obtained when oxytetracycline was administered in the presence of carprofen. PK-PD integration of data for oxytetracycline, based on MICs determined in the three biological fluids, suggests that it possesses, at most, limited direct killing activity against M haemolytica. These data raise questions concerning the mechanism(s) of action of oxytetracycline, when administered at clinically recommended dose rates.     

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of danofloxacin in serum and tissue fluids of goats following intravenous and intramuscular administration

OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of danofloxacin in goats and the concentrations required to induce bacteriostasis, bactericidal activity, and bacterial elimination. ANIMALS: 6 healthy British Saanen goats. PROCEDURE: Danofloxacin (1.25 mg/kg of body weight) was administered i.v. and i.m. in a cross-over design with 14 days between treatments. A tissue cage was used for evaluation of drug distribution into transudate and exudate. The ex vivo antibacterial activity of danofloxacin in serum, exudate, and transudate against a caprine isolate of Mannheimia haemolytica was determined. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data were integrated to determine the ratio of the area under the concentration versus time curve to the minimum inhibitory concentration of danofloxacin (AUIC). RESULTS: Elimination half-lives of danofloxacin in serum were 4.67 and 4.41 hours after i.v. and i.m. administration, respectively. Volume of distribution was high after administration via either route, and bioavailability was 100% after i.m. administration. Rate of penetration into exudate and transudate was slow, but elimination half-lives from both fluids were approximately twice that from serum. Drug concentrations in serum, exudate, and transudate for 9 to 12 hours after administration induced marked ex vivo antibacterial activity. For serum, AUIC24h values required for bacteriostasis, bactericidal effect, and bacterial elimination were 22.6, 29.6, and 52.4, respectively. Similar values were obtained for exudate and transudate. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Integration of danofloxacin pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data obtained in goats may provide a new approach on which to base recommendations for therapeutic dosages.     

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic integration of danofloxacin in the calf

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of danofloxacin were studied in calves after intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration, at a dose of 1.25 mg/kg in a two period cross-over study, using tissue cages to monitor aspects of extravascular distribution. Danofloxacin had a high volume of distribution (3.90 L/kg) and relatively rapid clearance (1.02 L/kgh) after IV dosing. Terminal half-life was 2.65 and 4.03 h, respectively, after IV and IM administration. Danofloxacin penetrated slowly into and was cleared slowly from tissue cage fluid (transudate), elimination half-life (10.2 h after IV and 8.9 h after IM dosing) being greater than for serum. The antibacterial actions of danofloxacin against the pathogen Mannheimia haemolytica 3575 were established in vitro in Mueller Hinton Broth, serum and transudate. These data were used together with in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters, C(max) and AUC to determine the surrogate markers of antimicrobial activity, C(max)/MIC, AUC/MIC and T>MIC.The antibacterial actions of danofloxacin were also determined ex vivo in serum and transudate samples harvested at pre-determined times after IM danofloxacin dosing. Ex vivo AUC/MIC data were integrated with ex vivo bacterial count to establish values producing a bacteriostatic action, inhibition of bacterial count by 50%, reduction in bacterial count by 99.9% (bactericidal action) and elimination of bacteria. Mean values were, respectively, 15.9, 16.7, 18.15 and 33.5h for serum and 15.0, 16.34, 17.8 and 30.7 h for transudate. The AUC/MIC-effect relationships for serum may be regarded as representative of a shallow compartment of blood and well perfused tissues, whilst AUC/MIC-effect relationships for transudate may be considered to represent a deep peripheral compartment of poorly perfused tissues. A novel approach to selecting antimicrobial drug dosage for evaluation in clinical trials, using AUC/MIC values producing either bactericidal activity or elimination of bacteria together with MIC(90) values for calf pathogens, is proposed. This approach can be expected to optimise efficacy and minimise the development of resistance.     

Pharmacokinetics and PK-PD modelling of danofloxacin in camel serum and tissue cage fluids

The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of danofloxacin were studied in the camel in a two period cross-over study. After intravenous (i.v.) administration at a dose rate of 1.25 mg/kg, the pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin indicated a high volume of distribution (V(d(area))=3.43 L/kg), relatively rapid clearance (0.44 L/kg/h) and half-life of 5.37 h. After intramuscular (i.m.) dosing absorption was complete (F=114.5) and rapid (T((1/2)abs)=0.12 h) and terminal half-life was 5.71 h. Danofloxacin penetrated fairly slowly into both inflamed (exudate) and non-inflamed (transudate) tissue cage fluids and was cleared slowly from these fluids, elimination half-life being at least twice that for serum for both exudate and transudate after both i.v. and i.m. dosing. The antibacterial actions of danofloxacin against the camel pathogen Escherichia coli 0157-H7 were determined by measurement of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in vitro (single measurement) and ex vivo measurements of bacterial count at nine times between one and 48 h after i.m. dosing in each of the fluids, serum, exudate, and transudate. Using in vitro MIC data and in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters, the surrogate markers of antimicrobial activity, C(max)/MIC, AUC/MIC and T>MIC, were determined for all three fluids. The ex vivo serum AUC(24 h)/MIC data were integrated with reduction in bacterial count to provide values producing a bacteriostatic action (no change in bacterial count), inhibition of bacterial count by 50%, reduction in bacterial count by 99.9% (bactericidal action) and elimination of bacteria. Mean AUC(24h)/MIC values were 17.20, 20.07, 21.24, and 68.37 h, respectively. To describe the latter, the introduction of a new term to supplement MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) is proposed, namely minimum elimination concentration (MEC). A novel means of designing antimicrobial drug dosage schedules for evaluation in clinical trials is proposed, using ex vivo AUC(24h)/MIC values for bactericidal activity and elimination of bacteria together with MIC(90) data for camel pathogens.     

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cefovecin in dogs

A series of in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro studies were conducted to determine the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of cefovecin, a new injectable cephalosporin, in dogs. Absolute bioavailability was determined in a two-phase cross-over study in dogs receiving 8 mg/kg bodyweight (b.w.) of cefovecin by either subcutaneous (s.c.) or intravenous (i.v.) route. After s.c. administration, cefovecin was fully bioavailable (100%), the mean maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 121 microg/mL and the mean apparent elimination half-life (t1/2) was 133 h. Clearance was measured to be 0.76 mL/h/kg after i.v. dosing. The concentration of cefovecin in urine measured 14 days after s.c. administration was 2.9 microg/mL. Plasma protein binding was determined by equilibrium dialysis; over concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 microg/mL (i.e. up to the approximate Cmax following an 8 mg/kg dose), protein binding of 98.7% to 96.0% was observed, however, binding was lower at higher concentrations. Total and free concentrations of cefovecin were determined in plasma, transudate and exudate collected from dogs previously implanted subcutaneously with tissue cages. Mean peak concentrations of free cefovecin were almost three times higher in transudate than in plasma and remained above 0.25 microg/mL for 19 days. The ex vivo antibacterial killing activity (vs. Staphylococcus intermedius, MIC 0.25 microg/mL) was measured in serum, transudate and exudate collected from dogs which had received 8 mg/kg b.w. of cefovecin subcutaneously. Transudate exhibited higher antimicrobial killing activity than serum. Activity in serum and exudate exhibited a mean reduction in bacterial counts of S. intermedius of at least three log units up to 72 h postadministration. Bactericidal activity (>3 log10 reduction of bacterial counts) was observed in transudate up to 12 days postadministration. The slow elimination and long lasting ex vivo antibacterial killing activity following administration of cefovecin are desirable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic attributes for an antimicrobial drug with 14-day dosing intervals.     

PK-PD integration and modeling of marbofloxacin in sheep

The fluoroquinolone antimicrobial drug, marbofloxacin, was administered intravenously (IV) and intramuscularly (IM) to sheep at a dose rate of 2 mg kg⁻¹ in a 2-period cross-over study. Using a tissue cage model of inflammation, the pharmacokinetic properties of marbofloxacin were established for serum, inflamed tissue cage fluid (exudate) and non-inflamed tissue cage fluid (transudate). For serum, after IV dosing, mean values for pharmacokinetic parameters were: clearance 0.48 L kg⁻¹ h⁻¹; elimination half-life 3.96 h and volumes of distribution 2.77 and 1.96 L kg⁻¹, respectively, for V_darea and V_ss. After IM dosing mean values for pharmacokinetic variables were: absorption half-time 0.112 h, time of maximum concentration 0.57 h, terminal half-life (T½el) 3.65 h and bioavailability 106%. For exudate, mean T½el values were 12.38 and 13.25 h, respectively, after IV and IM dosing and for transudate means were 13.39 h (IV) and 12.55 h (IM).The in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and ex vivo time-kill curves for marbofloxacin in serum, exudate and transudate were established against a pathogenic strain of Mannheimia haemolytica. Integration of in vivo pharmacokinetic data with MIC determined in vitro provided mean values of area under curve (AUC)/MIC ratio for serum, exudate and transudate of 120.2, 156.0 and 156.6 h after IV dosing and 135.5, 165.3 and 146.2 h after IM dosing, respectively. After IM administration maximum concentration (C_max)/MIC ratios were 21.1, 6.76 and 5.91, respectively, for serum, exudate and transudate. The ex vivo growth inhibition data after IM administration were fitted to the sigmoid E_max (Hill) equation to provide values for serum of AUC_24 h/MIC producing, bactericidal activity (22.51 h) and virtual eradication of bacteria (35.31 h). It is proposed that these findings might be used with MIC₅₀ or MIC₉₀ data to provide a rational approach to the design of dosage schedules which optimise efficacy in respect of bacteriological as well as clinical cures.     

Comparative pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin in healthy and Mannheimia haemolytica infected calves

The pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin were investigated in healthy (n=8) and Mannheimia haemolytica naturally infected (n=8) Simmental ruminant calves following intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration of 2 mg kg(-1) body weight. The concentration of marbofloxacin in plasma was measured using high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Following i.v. administration of the drug, the elimination half-life (t(1/2 beta)) and mean residence time (MRT) were significantly longer in diseased calves (8.2h; 11.13 h) than in healthy ones (4.6 h; 6.1 h), respectively. The value of total body clearance (CL(B)) was larger in healthy calves (3 ml min(-1) kg(-1)) than in diseased ones (1.3 ml min(-1) kg(-1)). After single intramuscular (i.m.) administration of the drug, the elimination half-life, mean residence time (MRT) and maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) were higher in diseased calves (8.0, 12 h, 2.32 microg ml(-1)) than in healthy ones (4.7, 7.4 h, 1.4 microg ml(-1)), respectively. The plasma concentrations and AUC following administration of the drug by both routes were significantly higher in diseased calves than in healthy ones. Protein binding of Marbofloxacin was not significantly different in healthy and diseased calves. The mean value for MIC of marbofloxacin for M. haemolytica was 0.1+/-0.06 microg ml(-1). The C(max)/MIC and AUC(24)/MIC ratios were significantly higher in diseased calves (13.0-64.4 and 125-618 h) than in healthy calves (8-38.33 and 66.34-328 h). The obtained results for surrogate markers of antimicrobial activity (C(max)/MIC, AUC/MIC and T > or = MIC) indicate the excellent pharmacodynamic characteristics of the drug in diseased calves with M. haemolytica, which can be expected to optimize the clinical efficacy and minimize the development of resistance.     

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic testing of marbofloxacin administered as a single injection for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease

Vallé, M., Schneider, M., Galland, D., Giboin, H., Woehrlé, F. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic testing of marbofloxacin administered as a single injection for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 519–528. New approaches in Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) integration suggested that marbofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone already licensed for the treatment of bovine respiratory disease at a daily dosage of 2 mg/kg for 3–5 days, would be equally clinically effective at 10 mg/kg once (Forcyl^®), whilst also reducing the risk of resistance. This marbofloxacin dosage regimen was studied using mutant prevention concentration (MPC), PK simulation, PK/PD integration and an in vitro dynamic system. This system simulated the concentration–time profile of marbofloxacin in bovine plasma established in vivo after a single 10 mg/kg intramuscular dose and killing curves of field isolated Pasteurellaceae strains of high (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) MIC ≤0.03 μg/mL), average (MIC of 0.12–0.25 μg/mL) and low (MIC of 1 μg/mL) susceptibility to marbofloxacin. The marbofloxacin MPC values were 2‐ to 4‐fold the MIC values for all Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida tested. Marbofloxacin demonstrated a concentration‐dependant killing profile with bactericidal activity observed within 1 h for most strains. No resistance development (MIC ≥4 μg/mL) was detected in the dynamic tests. Target values for risk of resistance PK/PD surrogates (area under the curve (AUC) AUC_{24 h}/MPC and T_>MPC/T_MSW ratio) were achieved for all clinically susceptible pathogens. The new proposed dosing regimen was validated in vitro and by PK/PD integration confirming the single‐injection short‐acting antibiotic concept.     

Pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin in horses

Marbofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic expected to be effective in the treatment of infections involving gram-negative and some gram-positive bacteria in horses. In order to design a rational dosage regimen for the substance in horses, the pharmacokinetic properties of marbofloxacin were investigated in 6 horses after i.v., subcutaneous and oral administration of a single dose of 2 mg/kg bwt and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) assessed for bacteria isolated from equine infectious pathologies. The clearance of marbofloxacin was mean +/- s.d. 0.25 +/- 0.05 l/kg/h and the terminal half-life 756 +/- 1.99 h. The marbofloxacin absolute bioavailabilities after subcutaneous and oral administration were 98 +/- 11% and 62 +/- 8%, respectively. The MIC required to inhibit 90% of isolates (MIC90) was 0.027 microg/ml for enterobacteriaceae and 0.21 microg/ml for Staphylococcus aureus. The values of surrogate markers of antimicrobial efficacy (AUIC, Cmax/MIC ratio, time above MIC90) were calculated and the marbofloxacin concentration profiles simulated for repeated administrations. These data were used to determine rational dosage regimens for target bacteria. Considering the breakpoint values of efficacy indices for fluoroquinolones, a marbofloxacin dosage regimen of 2 mg/kg bwt/24 h by i.v., subcutaneous or oral routes was more appropriate for enterobacteriaceae than for S. aureus.     

Pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin after single intravenous and repeat oral administration to cats

The pharmacokinetic properties of marbofloxacin, a third generation fluoroquinolone, were investigated in six cats after single intravenous (IV) and repeat oral (PO) administration at a daily dose of 2 mg/kg. Marbofloxacin serum concentration was analysed by microbiological assay using Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 10031 as micro-organism test. Serum marbofloxacin disposition was best described by bicompartmental and mono-compartmental open models with first-order elimination after IV and oral dosing respectively. After IV administration, distribution was rapid (T(1/2(d)) 0.23+/-0.24 h) and wide, as reflected by the steady-state volume of distribution of 1.01+/-0.15 L/kg. Elimination from the body was slow with a body clearance of 0.09+/-0.02 L/h kg and a T(1/2) of 7.98+/-0.57 h. After repeat oral administration, absorption half-life was 0.86+/-1.59 h and T(max) of 1.94+/-2.11 h. Bioavailability was almost complete (99+/-29%) with a peak plasma concentration at the steady-state of 1.97+/-0.61 mug/mL. Drug accumulation was not significant after six oral administrations. Calculation of efficacy predictors showed that marbofloxacin has good therapeutic profile against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria with a MIC(50) value <0.25 microg/mL.     

Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic integration and modelling of marbofloxacin in calves for Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida

The pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of marbofloxacin were established in calves for six strains of each of the pneumonia pathogens Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida. The distribution of marbofloxacin into inflamed (exudate) and non-inflamed (transudate) tissue cage fluids allowed comparison with the serum concentration–time profile. To establish the PD profile, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined in Mueller–Hinton broth (MHB) and calf serum.Moderately higher MICs were obtained for serum compared to MHB. An initial integration of PK–PD data established C_max/MIC ratios of 45.0 and AUC_24h/MIC values of 174.7 h, based on serum MICs, for both bacterial species. Using bacterial time-kill curves, generated ex vivo for serum marbofloxacin concentrations, PK–PD modelling established three levels of growth inhibition: AUC_24h/MIC ratios for no reduction, 3 log₁₀ and 4 log₁₀ reductions in bacterial count from the initial inoculum count were 41.9, 59.5 and 68.0 h for M. haemolytica and 48.6, 64.9 and 74.8 h for P. multocida, on average respectively. Inter-strain variability for 3 log₁₀ and 4 log₁₀ reductions in bacterial count was smaller for P. multocida than for M. haemolytica. In conjunction with literature data on MIC₉₀ values, the present results allowed prediction of dosages for efficacy for each organism for the three levels of growth inhibition.     

Tissue distribution of marbofloxacin after 'systemic' administration into the isolated perfused bovine udder

Mammary glands taken at slaughter from healthy lactating cows were perfused in vitro with warmed and gassed Tyrode solution. Marbofloxacin was administered "systemically" via the perfusion fluid at concentrations similar to those measured in plasma following intravenous administration of 2mg/kg marbofloxacin. Samples from the perfusate were taken over a 24h period. Glandular tissue samples at different vertical distances from the teat up to the udder base were gathered from each of the four quarters after 3, 6, 12 and 24h. The marbofloxacin content of the tissue samples was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The addition of marbofloxacin to the perfusion fluid produced median concentrations above the MIC90 (0.016microg/mL) against Escherichia coli at all glandular tissue sites measured after 3 and 6h with remarkable variations. Samples taken after 12 and 24h contained marbofloxacin in concentrations (median) of 0.22 (<0.05-0.32)microg/g and 0.13 (<0.05-0.16)microg/g. It is concluded that a systemic administration of marbofloxacin is well suited for the treatment of E. coli mastitis.     

Pharmacokinetics of ceftriaxone after intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration to domestic cats

The pharmacokinetic properties of ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin, were investigated in five cats after single intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous administration at a dosage of 25 mg/kg. Ceftriaxone MICs for some gram-negative and positive strains isolated from clinical cases were determined. Efficacy predictor (t > MIC) was calculated. Serum ceftriaxone disposition was best fitted by a bicompartmental and a monocompartmental open models with first-order elimination after intravenous and intramuscular and subcutaneous dosing, respectively. After intravenous administration, distribution was fast (t1/2d 0.14 +/- 0.02 h) and moderate as reflected by the volume of distribution (V(d(ss))) of 0.57 +/- 0.22 L/kg. Furthermore, elimination was rapid with a plasma clearance of 0.37 +/- 0.13 L/h.kg and a t1/2 of 1.73 +/- 0.23 h. Peak serum concentration (Cmax), tmax and bioavailability for the intramuscular administration were 54.40 +/- 12.92 microg/mL, 0.33 +/- 0.07 h and 85.72 +/- 14.74%, respectively; and for the subcutaneous route the same parameters were 42.35 +/- 17.62 microg/mL, 1.27 +/- 0.95 h and 118.28 +/- 39.17%. Ceftriaxone MIC for gram-negative bacteria ranged from 0.0039 to >8 microg/mL and for gram-positive bacteria from 0.5 to 4 microg/mL. t > MIC was in the range 83.31-91.66% (10-12 h) of the recommended dosing interval (12 h) for Escherichia coli (MIC90 = 0.2 microg/mL).     

Comparative serum pharmacokinetics of the fluoroquinolones enrofloxacin, difloxacin, marbofloxacin, and orbifloxacin in dogs after single oral administration

The pharmacokinetics after oral application of the fluoroquinolones (FQs), enrofloxacin, difloxacin, marbofloxacin and orbifloxacin were compared in independent crossover studies in Beagle dogs. Commercially available tablet formulations were given at common dosage recommended by the manufacturers which were 2.0 mg/kg body weight (bw) for marbofloxacin, 2.5 mg/kg bw for orbifloxacin and 5.0 mg/kg bw for enrofloxacin and difloxacin. Analysis was performed by an agar diffusion assay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental methods. All FQs were rapidly absorbed and achieved average peak serum concentrations of 1.41, 1.11, 1.47 and 1.37 mug/mL for enrofloxacin, difloxacin, marbofloxacin and orbifloxacin, respectively. Enrofloxacin was eliminated at a terminal half-life (t(1/2)) of 4.1 h, difloxacin at 6.9 h, orbifloxacin at 7.1 h and marbofloxacin at 9.1 h. While the area under the serum concentration-time curve of the 24-h dosing interval (AUC0--24) for marbofloxacin and orbifloxacin were similar (approximately 13 microg x h/mL), enrofloxacin attained an AUC(0-24) of 8.7 and difloxacin of 9.3 microg x h/mL. Because of its favourable pharmacokinetics combined with excellent in vitro activity, enrofloxacin exhibited superior pharmacodynamic predictors of in vivo antimicrobial activity as C(max)/MIC (maximum serum concentration/minimum inhibitory concentration) and AUC(0-24)/MIC (area under the 24-h serum concentration--time curve/minimum inhibitory concentration) compared with other FQs.     

Plasma and urine concentrations of marbofloxacin following single subcutaneous administration to cats

The pharmacokinetic properties of marbofoxacin, a third generation fluoroquinolone, were investigated in 12 healthy adult cats after single subcutaneous (SC) administration of 2 mg/kg BW (Part I, n=8 cats) and 4 mg/kg BW (Part II, n=4 cats). In each part of the study blood and urine samples were collected before treatment and thereafter for 5 days. The plasma and urine concentrations of marbofloxacin were determined by HPLC with UV detection. Pharmacokinetic calculations were performed for each treated animal using an open one-compartment-model with first-order elimination after SC dosing. Marbofloxacin in plasma (means): Maximum concentrations (Cmax) of about 1.2 and 3.0 microg/ml were measured 2.3 and 4 hours (tmax) after dosing of 2 and 4 mg/kg BW, respectively. Elimination from the body was low with a total clearance (Cl/F) of approximately 0.1 l/h/kg for both dosages. The half-life (t 1/2) for this process was calculated with 8-10 hours. AUC increased almost proportional when doubling the dose, i.e., 19.77 +/- 6.25 microg * h/ml (2 mg/kg BW) and 51.26 +/- 11.83 microg * h/ml (4 mg/kg BW). Plasma kinetics measured were in accordance with data from literature. Marbofloxacin in urine (means): Maximum drug concentrations were detected 4 and 8 hours after dosing with 70 microg/ml (2 mg/kg BW) and 160 microg/ml (4 mg/kg BW), respectively. Inhibitory effects of the urinary matrix on the antimicrobial activity of the drug were taken into account when performing PK/PD calculations. However, a concentration-dependent bactericidal activity (Cmax/MIC > 8-10) which is claimed for fluoroquinolones was sufficiently met with focus on Escherichia (E.) coli (MIC90 0.5 microg/ml). In the same matrix a threshold value of 1.0 microg/ml was undercut 82 and 116 hours after SC dosing, respectively. Hence, a time-dependent bacteria killing kinetic (T > MIC) which may be of relevance for some Gram-positive germs like Staphylococcus spp. (MIC90 1.0 microg/ml) should be covered, too.     

Pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin after intravenous and intramuscular administration to ostriches

The pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin was investigated after intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration, both at a dose rate of 5 mg/kg BW, in six clinically healthy domestic ostriches. Plasma concentrations of marbofloxacin was determined by a HPLC/UV method. The high volume of distribution (3.22+/-0.98 L/kg) suggests good tissue penetration. Marbofloxacin presented a high clearance value (2.19+/-0.27 L/kgh), explaining the low AUC values (2.32+/-0.30 microgh/mL and 2.25+/-0.70 microgh/mL, after IV and IM administration, respectively) and a short half life and mean residence time (t(1/2 beta)=1.47+/-0.31 h and 1.96+/-0.35 h; MRT=1.46+/-0.02 h and 2.11+/-0.30 h, IV and IM, respectively). The absorption of marbofloxacin after IM administration was rapid and complete (C(max)=1.13+/-0.29 microg/mL; T(max)=0.36+/-0.071 h; MAT=0.66+/-0.22 h and F (%)=95.03+/-16.89).