Pharmacokinetics of sarafloxacin in pigs and broilers following intravenous, intramuscular, and oral single-dose applications

Pharmacokinetics of sarafloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, was determined in pigs and broilers after intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), or oral (p.o.) administration at a single dose of 5 (pigs) or 10 mg/kg (broilers). Plasma concentration profiles were analysed by a noncompartmental pharmacokinetic method. Following i.v., i.m. and p.o. doses, the elimination half-lives (t1/2beta) were 3.37 +/- 0.46, 4.66 +/- 1.34, 7.20 +/- 1.92 (pigs) and 2.53 +/- 0.82, 6.81 +/- 2.04, 3.89 +/- 1.19 h (broilers), respectively. After i.m. and p.o. doses, bioavailabilities (F) were 81.8 +/- 9.8 and 42.6 +/- 8.2% (pigs) and 72.1 +/- 8.1 and 59.6 +/- 13.8% (broilers), respectively. Steady-state distribution volumes (Vd(ss)) of 1.92 +/- 0.27 and 3.40 +/- 1.26 L/kg and total body clearances (ClB) of 0.51 +/- 0.03 and 1.20 +/- 0.20 L/kg/h were determined in pigs and broilers, respectively. Areas under the curve (AUC), mean residence times (MRT), and mean absorption times (MAT) were also determined. Sarafloxacin was demonstrated to be more rapidly absorbed, more extensively distributed, and more quickly eliminated in broilers than in pigs. Based on the single-dose pharmacokinetic parameters determined, multiple dosage regimens were recommended as: a dosage of 10 mg/kg given intramuscularly every 12 h in pigs, or administered orally every 8 h in broilers, can maintain effective plasma concentrations with bacteria infections, in which MIC90 are <0.25 microg/mL.     

The pharmacokinetics of maropitant, a novel neurokinin type-1 receptor antagonist, in dogs

Maropitant is the first NK1 receptor antagonist developed to treat and prevent emesis in dogs; it is administered by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection at 1 mg/kg, or orally (p.o.), in tablet form, at either 2 or 8 mg/kg depending on indication. The absolute bioavailability of maropitant was markedly higher (90.7%) following s.c. injection than after oral administration (23.7% at the 2 mg/kg dose and 37.0% at the 8 mg/kg dose). First-pass metabolism contributes to the low bioavailability of maropitant following oral administration. The difference in bioavailability between the two oral doses reflects the nonlinear kinetics characterizing the disposition of maropitant within the 2-8 mg/kg dose range. Systemic clearance of maropitant following intravenous (i.v.) administration was 970, 995 and 533 mL/h.kg at doses of 1, 2 and 8 mg/kg, respectively. Nonproportional kinetics were observed for p.o. administered maropitant at doses ranging from 2 to 16 mg/kg but dose proportionality was demonstrated at higher doses (20-50 mg/kg). Linearity was also demonstrated following s.c. administration at 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg. Maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) occurred 0.75 h (tmax) after s.c. administration at 1 mg/kg, and at 1.7 and 1.9 h after oral administration of 8 and 2 mg/kg doses, respectively. The apparent terminal half-life of maropitant was 7.75, 4.03 and 5.46 h after dosing at 1 mg/kg (s.c.), 2 mg/kg (p.o.) and 8 mg/kg (p.o.), respectively. Feeding status had no effect on oral bioavailability. Limited accumulation occurred following once-daily administration of maropitant for five consecutive days at 1 mg/kg (s.c.) or 2 mg/kg (p.o.). At the dose of 8 mg/kg (p.o.) once daily for two consecutive days, the mean AUC(0-24h) (second dose) was 218% that of the first dose value. Urinary recovery of maropitant and its main metabolite was minimal (<1%), thus supporting the evidence that maropitant clearance is primarily hepatic.     

Pharmacokinetics of difloxacin in pigs and broilers following intravenous, intramuscular, and oral single-dose applications

Pharmacokinetics of difloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, was determined in pigs and broilers after intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), or oral (p.o.) administration at a single dose of five (pigs) or 10 mg/kg (broilers). Plasma concentration profiles were analyzed by a compartmental pharmacokinetic method. Following i.v., i.m. and p.o. doses, the elimination half-lives (t(1/2beta)) were 17.14 +/- 4.14, 25.79 +/- 8.10, 16.67 +/- 4.04 (pigs) and 6.11 +/- 1.50, 5.64 +/- 0.74, 8.20 +/- 3.12 h (broilers), respectively. After single i.m. and p.o. administration, difloxacin was rapidly absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations (C(max)) of 1.77 +/- 0.66, 2.29 +/- 0.85 (pigs) and 2.51 +/- 0.36, 1.00 +/- 0.21 microg/mL (broilers) attained at t(max) of 1.29 +/- 0.26, 1.41 +/- 0.88 (pigs) and 0.86 +/- 0.4, 4.34 +/- 2.40 h (broilers), respectively. Bioavailabilities (F) were (95.3 +/- 28.9)% and (105.7 +/- 37.1)% (pigs) and (77.0 +/- 11.8)% and (54.2 +/- 12.6)% (broilers) after i.m. and p.o. doses, respectively. Apparent distribution volumes(V(d(area))) of 4.91 +/- 1.88 and 3.10 +/- 0.67 L/kg and total body clearances(Cl(B)) of 0.20 +/- 0.06 and 0.37 +/- 0.10 L/kg/h were determined in pigs and broilers, respectively. Areas under the curve (AUC), the half-lives of both absorption and distribution(t(1/2ka), t(1/2alpha)) were also determined. Based on the single-dose pharmacokinetic parameters determined, multiple dosage regimens were recommended as: a dosage of 5 mg/kg given intramuscularly every 24 h in pigs, or administered orally every 24 h at the dosage of 10 mg/kg in broilers, can maintain effective plasma concentrations with bacteria infections, in which MIC(90) are <0.25 microg/mL and <0.1 microg/mL respectively.     

Identification and comparison of marbofloxacin metabolites from the plasma of ball pythons (Python regius) and blue and gold macaws (Ara ararauna)

Marbofloxacin is a veterinary only, synthetic, broad spectrum fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent. In mammals, approximately 40% of the oral dose of marbofloxacin is excreted unchanged in the urine; the remaining is excreted via the bile as unchanged drug in the feces. The V _d ranges from 1.1 (cattle) to 1.3 (dog, goat, swine) L/kg. Because of extra-label use of marbofloxacin in birds and reptiles, this study was designed to determine the profile of metabolites in plasma and compare the circulating metabolite profile between a reptile and an avian species. Six adult ball pythons ( Python regius ) and 10 blue and gold macaws ( Ara ararauna ) were used in this study. The macaws were dosed both i.v. and p.o. with a single 2.5 mg/kg administration where as the pythons received a single 10 mg/kg dose both i.v. and p.o. The metabolite profiles of marbofloxacin in the plasma of these species were determined using a high performance liquid chromatography system with a mass spectrometer for detection (LC/MS/MS). Mass spectra data generated from the snake and bird plasma samples were compared with previously reported LC/MS/MS mass spectral data. Evidence does not suggest differences due to route of administration (i.v. vs. p.o.) in either species. Four chromatographic peaks with resulting daughter spectrum were identified and represent 12 possible metabolite structures. All of the proposed metabolites, except for the N-oxide, appear to be unique to macaws. The potential metabolites identified in macaws appear to be very different than those reported for chickens.     

Pharmacokinetics of lamivudine in cats

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the pharmacokinetics of lamivudine (3TC) in cats. ANIMALS: 6 sexually intact 9-month-old barrier-reared domestic shorthair cats. PROCEDURE: Cats were randomly alloted into 3 groups, and lamivudine (25 mg/kg) was administered i.v., intragastrically (i.g.), and p.o. in a 3-way crossover study design with 2-week washout periods between experiments. Plasma samples were collected for 12 hours after drug administration, and lamivudine concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax), time to reach Cmax (Tmax), and bioavailability were compared between i.g. and p.o. routes. Area under the curve (AUC) and terminal phase half-life (t(1/2)) among the 3 administration routes were also compared. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of lamivudine declined rapidly with a t(1/2) of 1.9 +/- 0.21 hours, 2.6 +/- 0.66 hours, and 2.7 +/- 1.50 hours after i.v., i.g., and p.o. administration, respectively. Total body clearance and steady-state volume of distribution were 0.22 +/- 0.09 L/h/kg and 0.60 +/- 0.22 L/kg, respectively. Mean Tmax for i.g. administration (0.5 hours) was significantly shorter than Tmax for p.o. administration (1.1 hours). The AUC after i.v., i.g., and p.o. administration was 130 +/- 55.2 mg x h/L, 115 +/- 97.5 mg x h/L, and 106 +/- 94.9 mg x h/L, respectively. Lamivudine was well absorbed after i.g. and p.o. administration with bioavailability values of 88 +/- 45% and 80 +/- 52%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats had a shorter t(1/2) but slower total clearance of lamivudine, compared with humans. Plasma concentrations of lamivudine were maintained above the minimum effective concentration for inhibiting FIV replication by 50% (0.14 microM [0.032 microg/mL] for wild-type FIV clinical isolate) for at least 12 hours after i.v., i.g., or p.o. administration.     

Pharmacokinetics of zidovudine in cats

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the pharmacokinetics of zidovudine (AZT) in cats. ANIMALS: 6 sexually intact 9-month-old barrier-reared domestic shorthair cats. PROCEDURE: Cats were randomly alloted into 3 groups, and zidovudine (25 mg/kg) was administered i.v., intragastrically (i.g.), and p.o. in a 3-way crossover study design with 2-week washout periods between experiments. Plasma samples were collected for 12 hours after drug administration, and zidovudine concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax), time to reach Cmax (Tmax), and bioavailability were compared between i.g. and p.o. routes. Area under the curve (AUC) and terminal phase half-life (t(1/2)) among the 3 administration routes were also compared. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of zidovudine declined rapidly with t(1/2) of 1.4 +/- 0.19 hours, 1.4 +/- 0.16 hours, and 1.5 +/- 0.28 hours after i.v., i.g., and p.o. administration, respectively. Total body clearance and steady-state volume of distribution were 0.41 +/- 0.10 L/h/kg and 0.82 +/- 0.15 L/kg, respectively. Mean Tmax for i.g. administration (0.22 hours) was significantly shorter than Tmax for p.o. administration (0.67 hours). The AUC after i.v. and p.o. administration was 64.7 +/- 16.6 mg x h/L and 60.5 +/- 17.0 mg x h/L, respectively, whereas AUC for the i.g. route was significantly less at 42.5 +/- 9.41 mg x h/L. Zidovudine was well absorbed after i.g. and p.o. administration with bioavailability values of 70 +/- 24% and 95 +/- 23%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats had slower clearance of zidovudine, compared with other species. Plasma concentrations of zidovudine were maintained above the minimum effective concentration for inhibiting FIV replication by 50% (0.07 microM [0.019 microg/mL] for wild-type FIV clinical isolate) for at least 12 hours after i.v., i.g., or p.o. administration.     

Pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin in mature horses after single intravenous and intramuscular administration

The pharmacokinetic behaviour of marbofloxacin, a new fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent developed exclusively for veterinary use, was studied in mature horses (n = 5) after single-dose i.v. and i.m. administrations of 2 mg/kg bwt. Drug concentrations in plasma were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and data obtained were subjected to compartmental and noncompartmental kinetic analysis. This compound presents a relatively high volume of distribution (V(SS) = 1.17 +/- 0.18 l/kg), which suggests good tissue penetration, and a total body clearance (Cl) of 0.19 +/- 0.042 l/kgh, which is related to a long elimination half-life (t(1/2beta) = 4.74 +/- 0.8 h and 5.47 +/- 1.33 h i.v. and i.m. respectively). Marbofloxacin was rapidly absorbed after i.m. administration (MAT = 33.8 +/- 14.2 min) and presented high bioavailability (F = 87.9 +/- 6.0%). Pharmacokinetic parameters are not significantly different between both routes of administration (P>0.05). After marbofloxacin i.m. administration, no adverse reactions at the site of injection were observed. Serum CK activity levels 12 h after administration increased over 8-fold (range 3-15) compared with pre-injection levels, but this activity decreased to 3-fold during the 24 h follow-up period. Based on the value of surrogate markers to predict clinical success, Cmax/MIC ratio or AUC/MIC ratio, single daily marbofloxacin dose of 2 mg/kg bwt may not be effective in treating infections in horses caused by pathogens with an MIC > or = 0.25 microg/ml. However, if we use a classical antimicrobial efficacy criteria, marbofloxacin can reach a high plasma peak concentration and maintain concentrations higher than MICs determined for marbofloxacin against most gram-negative veterinary pathogens throughout the administration period. Taking into account the fact that fluoroquinolones are considered to have a concentration-dependent effect and a long postantibiotic effect against gram-negative bacteria, a dose of 2 mg/kg bwt every 24 h could be adequate for marbofloxacin in horses.     

Pharmacokinetics of metronidazole in horses after intravenous, rectal and oral administration

Metronidazole pharmacokinetics in horses was studied after intravenous (i.v.), rectal (p.r.) and oral (p.o.) administration at 20 mg/kg using a triple crossover study design. Metronidazole mean+/-SD half-life was 196+/-39, 212+/-30 and 240+/-65 min after i.v., p.r. and p.o. administration, respectively. The metronidazole clearance was 2.8 (mL/min/kg) and the volume of distribution at steady state was 0.68 L/kg. The pharmacokinetic parameters calculated for metronidazole after administration of the drug by the various routes showed that bioavailability (74+/-18 vs. 30+/-9%) and maximum serum concentration (22+/-8 vs. 9+/-2 microg /mL) were significantly higher after p.o. administration compared with p.r. administration. There were no significant differences in mean absorption time (45+/-69 vs. 66+/-18 min) and the time to reach maximum serum concentration (65+/-36 vs. 58+/-18 min). The results indicated that p.r. administration of metronidazole to horses, although inferior to p.o. administration in terms of bioavailability, provides an alternative route of administration when p.o. administration cannot be used.     

Plasma salicylate concentrations in immature dogs following aspirin administration: comparison with adult dogs

Aspirin disposition in immature and adult dogs, assessed by plasma salicylate concentrations following single doses of aspirin given orally (p.o.) and intravenously (i.v.), was compared. Using a cross-over design, four immature (12–16-weeks-old) and eight adult (1– 2-years-old) dogs were given a single dose of aspirin at 17.5 mg/kg body weight i.v. and a single dose of buffered aspirin at 35 mg/kg body weight p.o. Blood was collected from the jugular vein for 24 h following each dose. A fluorescence polarization immunoassay was used for determination of salicylate in plasma. Significant differences in aspirin disposition were identified between the two groups. Immature dogs had significantly shorter salicylate half-life, lower mean residence time, and more rapid salicylate clearance than adult dogs. The difference in volume of distribution between the two groups was not significantly different. Immature dogs had lower mean (± SD) peak plasma salicylate concentrations (64.5 ± 2.38 mg/L) than adult dogs (95.9 ± 12.2 mg/L) following a single oral dose of buffered aspirin at 35 mg/kg body weight. Predicted plasma salicylate concentration-time curves were constructed for various aspirin dosage regimens. This analysis showed that the previously recommended buffered aspirin dose for adult dogs of 25 mg/kg body weight p.o. every 8 h would be ineffective in maintaining plasma salicylate concentrations > 50 mg/L in immature dogs.     

Disposition of ofloxacin in female New Zealand White rabbits

Limited information exists regarding the disposition of ofloxacin in rabbits. Pharmacokinetic information is necessary for the design of appropriate therapeutic regimens for the treatment of organisms (e.g. Pasteurella multocida ) commonly infecting this species. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin following intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) administration. Two groups of three female New Zealand White rabbits received a single dose of 20 or 40 mg/kg by the i.v. and s.c. routes. Samples were collected prior to drug administration, then 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 h postdose. Ofloxacin concentrations in serum were determined using a validated HPLC assay. Mean maximum concentrations were 66.86 ± 10.83 mg/L and 14.1 ± 2.20 mg/L for the i.v. and s.c. administration of 20 mg/kg. The 40 mg/kg dose produced maximum concentrations of 154.96 ± 35.45 mg/L and 23.83 ± 4.01 mg/L for the i.v. and s.c. doses, respectively. The area under concentration–time curve increased proportionally with the dose, while the half-life was unaltered and ranged from 1.5–1.9 h. From these data, it appears that a 20 mg/kg dose administered every 8 h by the s.c. route would optimize the pharmacodynamic profile of ofloxacin and provide an appropriate regimen for the treatment of many susceptible organisms which commonly infect this species.     

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in alpacas

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) were studied in six healthy male-castrate alpacas (Lama pacos) after intravenous (i.v.) or oral (p.o.) drug administration of 15 mg/kg TMP-SMX using a crossover design with a 2-week washout period. After 90 days one group (n = 3) was given a p.o. dose of 30 mg/kg TMP-SMX and the other group (n = 3) was given a p.o. dose of 60 mg/kg TMP-SMX. After i.v. administration of 15 mg/kg of TMP-SMX the mean initial plasma concentration (C0) was 10.75 +/- 2.12 microg/mL for trimethoprim (TMP) and 158.3 +/- 189.3 microg/mL for sulfamethoxazole (SMX). Elimination half-lives were 0.74 +/- 0.1 h for TMP and 2.2 +/- 0.6 h for SMX. The mean residence times were 1.45 +/- 0.72 h for TMP and 2.8 +/- 0.6 h for SMX. The areas under the respective concentration vs. time curves (AUC) were 2.49 +/- 1.62 microg h/mL for TMP and 124 +/- 60 microg h/mL for SMX. Total clearance (Clt) for TMP was 21.63 +/- 9.85 and 1.90 +/- 0.77 mL/min kg for SMX. The volume of distribution at steady state was 2.32 +/- 1.15 L/kg for TMP and 0.35 +/- 0.09 L/kg for SMX. After intragastric administration of 15, 30 and 60 mg/kg the peak concentration (Cmax) of SMX were 1.9 +/- 0.8, 2.6 +/- 0.4 and 2.8 +/- 0.7 microg/mL, respectively. The AUC was 9.1 +/- 5, 25.9 +/- 3.3 and 39.1 +/- 4.1 microg h/mL, respectively. Based upon these AUC values and correcting for dose, the respective bioavailabilities were 7.7, 10.5 and 7.94%. Trimethoprim was not detected in plasma after intragastric administration. These data demonstrate that therapeutic concentrations of TMP-SMX are not achieved after p.o. administration to alpacas.     

Pharmacokinetics of ketorolac tromethamine in horses after intravenous,intramuscular, and oral single‐dose administration

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are an integral component of equine analgesia, yet currently available NSAIDs are both limited in their analgesic efficacy and have adverse effects. The NSAID ketorolac tromethamine (KT) is widely used in humans as a potent morphine‐sparing analgesic drug but has not been fully evaluated in horses. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of KT in horses after intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), and oral (p.o.) administration. Nine healthy adult horses received a single 0.5‐mg/kg dose of KT via each route of administration. Plasma was collected up to 48 h postadministration and analyzed for KT concentration using HPLC/MS/MS. Noncompartmental analysis of i.v. dosage indicated a mean plasma clearance of 8.4 (mL/min)/kg and an estimated mean volume of distribution at steady‐state of 0.77 L/kg. Noncompartmental analysis of i.v., i.m., and p.o. dosages indicated mean residence times of 2.0, 2.6, and 7.1 h, respectively. The drug was rapidly absorbed after i.m. and p.o. administration, and mean bioavailability was 71% and 57% for i.m. and p.o. administration, respectively. Adverse effects were not observed after i.v., i.m., and p.o. administration. More studies are needed to evaluate the analgesic and anti‐inflammatory properties of KT in horses.     

Pharmacokinetic profiles of the active metamizole metabolites after four different routes of administration in healthy dogs

Metamizole (MT), an analgesic and antipyretic drug, is rapidly hydrolyzed to the active primary metabolite 4‐methylaminoantipyrine (MAA) and relatively active secondary metabolite 4‐aminoantipyrine (AA). The aim of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetic profiles of MAA and AA after dose of 25 mg/kg MT by intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), oral (p.o.), and rectal (RC) routes in dogs. Six dogs were randomly allocated to an open, single‐dose, four‐treatment, four‐phase, unpaired, crossover study design. Blood was collected at predetermined times within 24 hr, and plasma was analyzed by a validated HPLC‐UV method. Plasma concentrations of MAA and AA after i.v., i.m., p.o., and RC administrations of MT were detectable from 5 (i.v. and i.m.) or 30 (p.o. and RC) min to 24 hr in all dogs. The highest concentrations of MAA were found in the i.v., then i.m., p.o., and RC groups. Plasma concentrations of AA were similar for i.v., i.m., and RC, and the concentrations were approximately double those in the PO groups. The AUC_EV/IV ratio for MAA was 0.75 ± 0.11, 0.59 ± 0.08, and 0.32 ± 0.05, for i.m., p.o., and RC, respectively. The AUC_EV/IV ratio for AA was 1.21 ± 0.33, 2.17 ± 0.62, and 1.08 ± 0.19, for i.m., p.o., and RC, respectively. Although further studies are needed, rectal administration seems to be the least suitable route of administration for MT in the dog.     

Absorption of enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin after oral and subcutaneous administration in diseased koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Griffith, J.E., Higgins, D.P., Li, K.M., Krockenberger, M.B., Govendir, M. Absorption of enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin after oral and subcutaneous administration in diseased koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 33 , 595–604. Koalas (n = 43) were treated daily for up to 8 weeks with enrofloxacin: 10 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.), 5 mg/kg s.c., or 20 mg/kg per os (p.o.); or marbofloxacin: 1.0–3.3 mg/kg p.o., 10 mg/kg p.o. or 5 mg/kg s.c. Serial plasma drug concentrations were determined on day 1 and again at approximately 2 weeks, by liquid chromatography. The median (range) plasma maximum concentrations (C_max) for enrofloxacin 5 mg/kg s.c. and 10 mg/kg s.c. were 0.83 (0.68–1.52) and 2.08 (1.34–2.96) μg/mL and the median (range) T_max were 1.5 h (1–2) and 1 h (1–2) respectively. Plasma concentrations of orally dosed marbofloxacin were too low to be quantified. Oral administration of enrofloxacin suggested absorption rate limited disposition pharmacokinetics; the median (range) C_max for enrofloxacin 20 mg/kg p.o. was 0.94 (0.76–1.0) μg/mL and the median (range) T_max was 4 h (2–8). Oral absorption of both drugs was poor. Plasma protein binding for enrofloxacin was 55.4 ± 1.9% and marbofloxacin 49.5 ± 5.3%. Elevations in creatinine kinase activity were associated with drug injections. Enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin administered at these dosage and routes are unlikely to inhibit the growth of chlamydial pathogens in vivo.     

Pharmacological and toxicological aspects of combination of beta-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotic, prednisolone and procaine hydrochloride on the example of Vetramycin

Vetramycin is an injectable veterinary compound for animal use only. In veterinary medicine, it has been used for a long time as a bactericidal beta-lactam and aminglycoside antibiotics combination, extending the bactericidal spectrum of these substances. This compound, in addition to bactericidal procaine penicillin and dihydrostreptomycin (DHS), contains also prednisolone acetate and procaine hydrochloride, two biologically active substances. Prednisolone, a glucocorticoide, has an antiinflammatory, antiallergic, antiitchical and analgesic effect. Procaine hydrochloride, in turn, has a local anaesthetic effect and attenuates pain caused by irritable properties of antibiotics at the injection sites. The average dosage of, respectively, procaine benzylpenicillin (I.U./kg(-1) b.w.), DHS (microg/kg(-1) b.w.), prednisolone acetate (microg/kg(-1) b.w.) and procaine hydrochloride (mg/kg(-1) b.w.) in horses, cattle, pigs is 6000-15000, 10-11, 0.24-0.6 and 1.2-3.0; s.i.d., in sheep, foals, calves, piglets is 20000-40000, 10, 0.8-1.6 and 4-8; s.i.d., in dogs and cats is 30000-200000, 10, 0.8-1.6 and 4-8; s.i.d.. Intramammary injection dose (Vetramycin antimastitis ointment in syringe) in cows is 1000000 I.U. of procaine benzylpenicillin + 1000000 I.U. of dihydrostreptycin sulphate per quarter of udder, s.i.d., during 3 successive days.     

Pharmacokinetics of ketorolac after intravenous and oral single dose administration in dogs

The pharmacokinetics of ketorolac (Toradol), a human non-narcotic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the pyrrolo-pyrrole group, was studied in six mixed breed dogs of varying ages (1-5 years). The study was performed using a randomized crossover design, with each dog initially assigned to one of two groups (intravenous (i.v.) or oral (p.o.)). Each group of three dogs received either the injectable or oral formulation of ketorolac tromethamine at 0.5 mg/kg. Serial blood samples were collected before and over 96 h following treatment. Samples were analysed by reverse phase HPLC. Individual ketorolac plasma concentration-time curves were initially evaluated by computerized curve stripping techniques followed by nonlinear least squares regression. Following i.v. administration mean (+/- SD) pharmacokinetic parameters were: elimination half-life (t1/2 beta) = 4.55 h, plasma clearance (Clp) = 1.25 (1.13) mL/kg/min, and volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) = 0.33 (0.10) L/kg. Mean (+/- SD) p.o. pharmacokinetic values were: t1/2 beta = 4.07 h, time to reach maximum concentration (tmax) = 51.2 (40.6) min, and p.o. bioavailability (F) = 100.9 (46.7)%. These results suggest that the pharmacodisposition characteristics of a clinically effective 0.5 mg/kg i.v. or p.o. single dose of ketorolac tromethamine administered to dogs is fairly similar to that observed in humans.     

Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in the red pacu (Colossoma brachypomum) after intramuscular, oral and bath administration

The intramuscular (i.m.), oral (p.o.), and bath immersion disposition of enrofloxacin were evaluated following administration to a cultured population of red pacu. The half-life for enrofloxacin following i.m. administration was 28.9 h, considerably longer than values calculated for other animals such as dogs, birds, rabbits, and tortoises. The 4 h maximum concentration ( C _max) of 1.64 μg/mL following a single 5.0 mg/kg dosing easily exceeds the in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for 20 bacterial organisms known to infect fish. At 48 h post i.m. administration, the mean plasma enrofloxacin concentration was well above the MIC for most gram-negative fish pathogens. The gavage method of oral enrofloxacin administration produced a C _max of 0.94 μg/mL at 6–8 h. This C _max was well above the reported in vitro MIC. A bath immersion concentration of 2.5 mg/L for 5 h was used in this study. The C _max of 0.17 μg/mL was noted on the 2 hour post-treatment plasma sample. Plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin exceeded published in vitro MIC's for most fish bacterial pathogens 72 h after treatment was concluded. Ciprofloxacin, an active metabolite of enrofloxacin, was detected and measured after all methods of drug administration. It is possible and practical to obtain therapeutic blood concentrations of enrofloxacin in the red pacu using p.o., i.m., and bath immersion administration. The i.m. route is the most predictable and results in the highest plasma concentrations of the drug.     

Pharmacokinetics of tigecycline in turkeys following different routes of administration

The aim of this research had been to determine the pharmacokinetics of tigecycline (TIG) in turkey after intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), subcutaneous (s.c.), and oral (p.o.) administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg. TIG concentrations in plasma were determined using high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Mean concentrations of TIG in turkey plasma in the i.v. group were significantly higher than concentrations of this drug obtained after using the other administration routes. No significant differences were demonstrated in respect to the concentrations achieved after i.m. and s.c. administration. The bioavailability of TIG after i.m., s.c., and p.o. administration was 32.59 ± 5.99%, 34.91 ± 9.62%, and 0.97 ± 0.57%, respectively. Values of half‐life in the elimination phase were 23.49 ± 6.51 hr, 25.42 ± 4.42 hr, and 26.62 ± 5.19 hr in i.v., i.m., and s.c. groups, respectively, values of mean residence time were 7.92 ± 1.41 hr, 19.62 ± 2.82 hr, and 17.55 ± 2.59 hr in i.v., i.m., and s.c. groups, respectively, whereas the volume of distribution was 14.85 ± 5.71 L/kg, 14.68 ± 2.56 L/kg, and 15.37 ± 3.00 L/kg in i.v., i.m., and s.c. groups, respectively. Because TIG is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in turkeys to a clinically significant degree, this drug given p.o. could find application in commercial turkey farms only to treat gastrointestinal tract infections.     

Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic integration of orbifloxacin in rabbits after intravenous, subcutaneous and intramuscular administration

The single-dose disposition kinetics of orbifloxacin were determined in clinically normal rabbits ( n  = 6) after intravenous (i.v.), subcutaneous (s.c.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administration of 5 mg/kg bodyweight. Orbifloxacin concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Minimal inhibitory concentrations ( MIC s) assay of orbifloxacin against 30 strains of Staphylococcus aureus from several European countries was performed in order to compute pharmacodynamic surrogate markers. The concentration–time data were analysed by compartmental and noncompartmental kinetic methods. Steady-state volume of distribution ( V _ss) and total body clearance ( Cl ) of orbifloxacin after i.v. administration were estimated to be 1.71 ± 0.38 L/kg and 0.91 ± 0.20 L/h·kg, respectively. Following s.c. and i.m. administration orbifloxacin achieved maximum plasma concentrations of 2.95 ± 0.82 and 3.24 ± 1.33 mg/L at 0.67 ± 0.20 and 0.65 ± 0.12 h, respectively. The absolute bio-availabilities after s.c. and i.m. routes were 110.67 ± 11.02% and 109.87 ± 8.36%, respectively. Orbifloxacin showed a favourable pharmacokinetic profile in rabbits. However, on account of the low AUC / MIC and C _max/ MIC indices obtained, its use by i.m. and s.c. routes against the S. aureus strains assayed in this study cannot be recommended given the risk of selection of resistant populations.     

Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin given by the oral, intravenous and intramuscular routes in broiler chickens.

Enrofloxacin was given to broiler chickens, 3 groups of 6 birds each, at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Routes of administration were intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.) and oral (p.o.) and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein for determination of serum drug levels over a 54-hour period after administration. Drug levels were determined using Bacillus subtilis spore suspension on Meuller-Hinton antibiotic medium. Intravenous administration produced drug levels which followed a bi-exponential decay according to the model C = 101e(-1.84(t)) + 1.30e(-0.06(t)). After i.m. administration, the mean Cmax observed (2.01 microg/mL) occurred at 1 h and levels were detected for up to 48 h. The mean time to maximum concentration (Tmax) for the birds occurred at 0.79 h. The model describing serum concentrations after i.m. administration was C = 1.35e(-0.48(t)) + 1.27e(-0.07(t)) - 2.06e(-2.1(t)). Serum concentrations after oral administration were lower and the mean +/- standard error of mean, of the maximum concentrations (Cmax) was 0.99 microg/mL at 2 h after administration. The mean residence times after the 3 routes of administration were not significantly different and ranged from 12.5-13.7 h. Bioavailability by the oral route was 80.1%. Dialysis of chicken plasma vs saline indicated that the protein binding was 22.7%.