The influence of the injection site on the bioavailability of ampicillin and amoxycillin in beagles

Influence of the injection site on bioavailability in dogs was investigated for injections with ampicillin anhydrate or amoxycillin trihydrate suspensions. Firstly, pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated after IV administration of the sodium salts. Then the dogs were injected in the neck (SC), in the lateral thorax region (SC), in the back (IM) and in the thigh (IM), respectively. The most obvious depot effect was seen after subcutaneous injection of ampicillin in the thorax region, though bioavailability seemed to be low. No differences were seen between the injection sites with amoxycillin. For ampicillin SC injection in the neck seems most favourable; for amoxycillin SC injection may be preferred because it is less burdening. Serum concentrations with amoxycillin were higher and persisted longer than with ampicillin. Further investigation is necessary to determine whether this also counts for tissues or focus of infection.