Pharmacokinetic analysis of cefquinome in healthy chickens

1. The pharmacokinetics of cefquinome (CEQ) in chickens was determined after intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration of 2?mg/kg body weight. Plasma concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography assay with an ultraviolet detector at 265?nm wavelength.

2. Plasma concentration–time data after IV administration were best fitted by a two-compartment model. The pharmacokinetic parameters following IV injection were distribution half-life 0·43?±?0·19?h, elimination half-life 1·29?±?0·10?h, total body clearance 0·35?±?0·04?l/kg/h, area under curve 5·33?±?0·55?µg/h/ml and volume of distribution at steady state 0·49?±?0·05?l/kg.

3. Plasma concentration–time data after IM administration were best described by a two-compartment model. The pharmacokinetic parameters after IM administration were absorption half-life 0·07?±?0·02?h, distribution half-life 0·58?±?0·27?h, elimination half-life 1·35?±?0·20?h, peak concentration 3·04?±?0·71?µg/ml and bioavailability 95·81?±?5·81%.

4. Cefquinome kinetics in chicken and data from other species were summarised and analysed to provide a comprehensive understanding of CEQ pharmacokinetics.