Abstract

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of mequindox were determined after single intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) administrations of 7 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) to 10 healthy adult goats. Plasma mequindox concentrations were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Pharmacokinetics were best described by a two-compartment open model and an one-compartment open model for i.v. and i.m. groups, respectively. The elimination half-life and volume of distribution after i.v. and i.m. administrations were statistically different (t_1/2β, 1.8 to 1.5 h, P < 0.05 and V_d, 0.35 to 0.45 L·kg^-1, P < 0.05, respectively). Mequindox was rapidly (t_1/2a, 0.28 h) and almost completely absorbed (F, 99.8%) after i.m. administration. In conclusion, 2~3 times daily i.v. and i.m. administration of mequindox (7 mg/kg b.w.) in goats may be useful in treatment of infectious diseases caused by sensitive pathogens. The plasma disposition kinetics of mequindox in goats is reported for the first time.

Key words: Mequindox, pharmacokinetics, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), goats.

Abbreviation

Abbreviations: i.v., Intravenous; i.m., intramuscular; HPLC, high performance liquid chromatography; AIC, Akaike’s Information Criterion.