Comparative pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin administered intravenously to sheep and goats

Pharmacokinetic profiles of amoxicillin trihydrate in freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) after intramuscular administration at two doses

The aim of the present study was to elucidate the pharmacokinetic profiles of amoxicillin trihydrate (AMX) in Siamese freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis). Crocodiles were administered a single intramuscular injection of AMX, at a dose of either 5 or 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Blood samples were collected at preassigned times up to 120 hr. The plasma concentrations of AMX were measured using a validated liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry method. AMX plasma concentrations were quantifiable for up to 72 hr (5 mg/kg b.w.) and 96 hr (10 mg/kg b.w.). The elimination half-life (t_{1/2λ z} ) of AMX following dosing at 5 mg/kg b.w. (8.72 ± 0.61 hr) was almost identical to that following administration at 10 mg/kg b.w (8.98 ± 1.13 hr). The maximum concentration and area under the curve from zero to the last values of AMX increased in a dose-dependent fashion. The average binding percentage of AMX to plasma protein was 21.24%. Based on the pharmacokinetic data, susceptibility break point, and the surrogate PK-PD index (T > MIC, 0.25 μg/ml), intramuscular administration of AMX at dose of 5 mg/kg b.w. every 4 days might be appropriate for the treatment of susceptible bacterial infections in freshwater crocodiles.

Distribution of hydrophilic and lipophilic antibacterial drugs in skim milk, cream, and casein

This study determined the distribution of drugs to different milk fractions according to their physicochemical properties. Hydrophilic drugs tend to concentrate in skim milk, whereas lipophilic drugs tend to concentrate in cream. The concentration of a drug in casein is related to its degree of binding to milk proteins. Thus, we aimed to determine whether withdrawal time in whole milk differs from that in cream, casein, and skim milk. Amoxicillin and tylosin were selected as prototype hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, respectively. The study was conducted in vitro and in vivo to determine whether in vitro conditions reflect the distribution of drugs in the different milk fractions in vivo. The in vivo study was conducted using a crossover design on 6 healthy Holstein dairy cattle. First, amoxicillin (i.m., single dose, 14 mg/kg) was administered to cows. Following a 1-wk washout period, tylosin (i.m., single dose, 15 mg/kg) was administered. Concentrations of amoxicillin and tylosin in milk and milk fractions were measured using HPLC-UV. In the in vitro study, 0.04 to 400 μg/g of amoxicillin and 0.05 to 50 μg/g of tylosin were spiked to drug-free milk and the concentrations in milk and milk fractions were measured. In addition, the percentage of total protein in milk and milk fractions was determined. Amoxicillin accumulated more in skim milk than in cream and casein, both in vitro (92%) and in vivo (73%, skim milk-to-whole milk ratio). The distribution of tylosin in whole and skim milk was similar to that of amoxicillin in the in vitro study, in contrast to the accumulation of tylosin in cream seen in vivo. However, the accumulation ratio of tylosin in cream was lower than expected. By either method, tylosin was less concentrated in casein than in skim milk and cream. The percentage of total protein was similar in skim milk and whole milk and higher than in cream. Thus, amoxicillin accumulates less in cream and casein, suggesting that these fractions would pose a lower risk to the consumer. Tylosin was still present at the maximum residue limit (50 μg/kg) 24 h after injection in the casein fraction and 48 h after injection in the cream fraction.

Withdrawal of Amoxicillin and Penicillin G Procaine from Milk after Intramammary Administration in Dairy Cows with Mastitis

Introduction

There are many veterinary products containing β-lactam antibiotics which are used for mastitis treatment in cows. The aim of the study was to determine whether mastitis could have any effect on amoxicillin (AMX) or penicillin G procaine (PEN) withdrawal period from milk, in the context of current maximum residue limits established by the European Commission.

Material and Methods

The study was conducted on 17 dairy Black and White cows with clinical mastitis during the lactation period. The first group (n = 8) received 200 mg of amoxicillin (AMX), whereas the second group (n = 9) received 200,000 IU/mg of penicillin G procaine (PEN) by intramammary administration. For the measurement of AMX and PEN concentrations in milk, the liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was applied. Pharmacokinetic calculations were performed using Phoenix WinNonlin 6.4 software.

Results

The determined AMX and PEN half-life values in the mammary gland suggest that the drug withdrawal is at a level of 99.9% within 81 h (≈3.5 days) and 116 h (≈5 days) after administration of AMX and PEN, respectively. The present research indicates that, at 60 h after administration, the average PEN concentration in the milk from cows with clinical signs of mastitis may still reach 4.96 g/kg and that of AMX can even be 6.92 g/kg.

Conclusion

The results obtained confirm that, in mastitis cases, a 72-h withdrawal period is sufficient for elimination of AMX to a lower level than the established maximum residue limit (MRL) values. However, in the case of PEN, at 69 h after administration, the drug concentration may be close to that of the determined MRL.

Pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin trihydrate in Thai swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis): a pilot study

This study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of amoxicillin (AMX) in Thai swamp buffaloes, Bubalus bubalis, following single intramuscular administration at two dosages of 10 and 20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.). Blood samples were collected at assigned times up to 48 h. The plasma concentrations of AMX were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The concentrations of AMX in the plasma were determined up to 24 h after i.m. administration at both dosages. The C_max values of AMX were 3.39 ± 0.18 μg/mL and 6.16 ± 0.18 μg/mL at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively. The AUC_last values increased in a dose-dependent fashion. The half-life values were 5.56 ± 0.40 h and 4.37 ± 0.23 h at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg b.w, respectively. Based on the pharmacokinetic data and PK-PD index (T > MIC), i.m. administration of AMX at a dose of 20 mg/kg b.w might be appropriate for the treatment of susceptible Mannheimia haemolytica infection in Thai swamp buffaloes.

Pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability of amoxicillin in chicken infected with caecal coccidiosis

Chicken infected with caecal coccidiosis (Eimeria tenella) was used to evaluate the effect of coccidiosis on the pharmacokinetic and bioavailability of amoxicillin. The level of amoxicillin was estimated by high-performance chromatography (HPLC) to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters and oral bioavailability. For i.v. injection of amoxicillin, Vd and CL were 0.29 and 0.27 (mg/kg)/(μg/mL)/h, respectively. Compared with healthy chicken, intravenous injection of amoxicillin in the infected chicken showed higher distribution and elimination constants, delayed clearance and statistically significant higher AUC and MRT. Oral administration in healthy chicken was accompanied by rapid absorption and high bioavailability with Tmax , Cmax and F about 1.03 h, 3.26 μg/mL and 40.2, respectively. Furthermore, oral administration in the infected chicken produced higher mean absorption time, delayed Tmax, lower Cmax, smaller AUC value and lower bioavailability (16.76). Based on these results, monitoring and adjustment of amoxicillin dosing could be practiced during the presence of coccidiosis. The measured Cmax values suggest the administration of 1.3-folds of the normal dose to maintain the normal maximal serum concentrations of amoxicillin in chicken infected with caecal coccidiosis.

Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Cefquinome (Cobactan 2.5%) following Repeated Intramuscular Administrations in Sheep and Goats

The comparative pharmacokinetic profile of cefquinome was studied in sheep and goats following repeated intramuscular (IM) administrations of 2 mg/kg body weight. Cefquinome concentrations in serum were determined by microbiological assay technique using Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 9341) as test organism. Following intramuscular injection of cefquinome in sheep and goats, the disposition curves were best described by two-compartment open model in both sheep and goats. The pharmacokinetics of cefquinome did not differ significantly between sheep and goats; similar intramuscular dose rate of cefquinome should therefore be applicable to both species. On comparing the data of serum levels of repeated intramuscular injections with first intramuscular injection, it was revealed that repeated intramuscular injections of cefquinome have cumulative effect in both species sheep and goats. The in vitro serum protein-binding tendency was 15.65% in sheep and 14.42% in goats. The serum concentrations of cefquinome along 24 h after injection in this study were exceeding the MICs of different susceptible microorganisms responsible for serious disease problems. These findings indicate successful use of cefquinome in sheep and goats.

Influence of the injection site on the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin after intramuscular administration of a conventional and a long-acting formulation in sheep

The pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin (AMX) were investigated in sheep following intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m) injection, comparing two different drug formulations, a conventional and a long-acting AMX-trihydrate suspension. For the i.m. application two different injections sites, the neck area and the hind limb were used to identify possible differences in the kinetic parameters related to the site of injection. A three-compartment open model could best describe AMX disposition after i.v. administration. Data analysis after i.m. administration of the conventional suspension at both injection sites revealed the occurrence of a flip-flop phenomenon, clearly indicating that absorption of AMX is the rate-limiting step of its overall disposition. A moderate effect of the injection site was observed with a tendency for the neck area to be advantageous, mainly in terms of rate rather than extent of absorption. Injection of the long-acting formulation led to a focal depot formation, thus yielding lower but remarkably prolonged serum AMX levels reflected in the respective terminal half-lives. The concentration-time profile of AMX after administration of the long-acting formulation was less affected by the injection site, but the low serum levels justify its use only in cases in which a high susceptibility of the involved bacterial population is confirmed.

Peripheral distribution of amoxicillin in sheep and influence of local inflammation

The pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin (AMX) in blood serum (SBS) and tissue cage fluid (TCF) was studied in sheep. Four tissue cages, prepared from silicone rubber tubing, were subcutaneously inserted in the neck area (two on each side) of the experimental animals and AMX was administered both intravenously (IV) and intramuscularly (IM) at the dose rate of 15mg/kg bodyweight. The impact of local inflammation on AMX distribution in TCF was studied after intra-cavity injection of a lambda carrageenan solution in one of the two tissue cages used after each administration. In contrast to the three-compartment AMX disposition after IV injection, two-compartment, absorption-limited pharmacokinetics was observed after IM administration. Non-inflamed and inflamed TCF data revealed, in all cases, the attainment of low, but prolonged concentrations and absence of an inflammation-induced effect on AMX penetration into and elimination from TCF.

Disposition and oral bioavailability of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid in pigs

The pharmacokinetic properties of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid were studied in healthy, fasted pigs after single intravenous (i.v.) and oral (p.o.) dosage of 20 mg/kg of amoxicillin and 5 mg/kg of clavulanic acid. The plasma concentrations of the drugs were determined by validated high-performance liquid chromatographic methods and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by compartmental and noncompartmental analyses. After i.v. administration of the two drugs, plasma concentration-time curves were best described by a three-compartmental open model for amoxicillin and a two-compartmental open model for clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin (with a t(1/2 gamma) = 1.03 h and a clearance of 0.58 L/h.kg) and clavulanic acid (with a t(1/2 beta) of 0.74 h and a clearance of 0.41 L/h.kg) were both rapidly eliminated from plasma. Both drugs had apparently the same volume of distribution of 0.34 L/kg. After p.o. administration of the two drugs, a noncompartmental model was used. Elimination half-lives of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid were not significantly different, i.e. 0.73 and 0.67 h respectively. The mean maximal plasma concentrations of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid were 3.14 and 2.42 mg/L, and these were reached after 1.19 and 0.88 h respectively. The mean p.o. bioavailability was found to be 22.8% for amoxicillin and 44.7% for clavulanic acid.

Pharmacokinetics of amoxycillin and the rate of depletion of its residues in pigs

Six pigs were used in a two-period crossover study to investigate the pharmacokinetics of amoxycillin after single intravenous and oral doses of 20 mg/kg bodyweight. Twelve pigs were used to study the residues of the drug in muscle, kidney, liver and fat after they had received daily oral doses of 20 mg/kg amoxycillin for five days. The mean (sd) elimination half life (t1/2beta) and mean residence time of amoxycillin in plasma were 3.38 (0.30) and 3.54 (0.43) hours, respectively, after intravenous administration and 4.13 (0.50) and 4.47 (0.30) hours, respectively, after oral administration. After oral administration, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was 7.37 (0.42) microg/ml and it was reached after 0.97 (0.29) hours. Six days after the last oral dose, the mean concentration of amoxycillin in the pigs' kidneys was 21.38 ng/g and in the liver it was 12.32 ng/g, but no amoxycillin could be detected in fat or muscle; the concentrations of amoxycillin in edible tissues were less than the European Union maximal residue limit of 50 microg/kg.

Amoxicillin pharmacokinetics in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) following single dose intravenous administration: implications for interspecific dose scaling

The pharmacokinetics of sodium amoxicillin after a single intravenous dose of 20 mg/kg were determined in ten harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) and ten northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). The seals ranged in age from 1 to 6 months and the mean weights were 11.7 kg (range, 9.5-18.5 kg) for harbor seals and 47.1 kg (range, 39.5-61.4 kg) for elephant seals. The median half-life of amoxicillin (quartiles) in harbor seals, 1.5 (1.0-3.1) h. was not statistically different from that of elephant seals, 2.0 (1.4-3.8) h, nor were the differences between the terminal elimination rate constants between the two species. The only statistically significant differences between species were for area-under-the-curve (AUC), and total systemic clearance. The lack of statistical significance for differences in the volume of distribution at steady-state (Vss) may have been due to minor differences in the time frame of data collection and dose administered between the two groups. A true physiologic difference in drug handling, possibly related to renal perfusion or tubal secretory efficiency could affect amoxicillin kinetics in these species, and longer administration intervals may be appropriate for elephant seals as compared to harbor seals when administering multiple dose amoxicillin therapy at 20 mg/kg.

Pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin trihydrate in Desert sheep and Nubian goats

The pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin were studied in five Desert sheep and five Nubian goats after intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) administration of a single dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. Following i.v. injection, the plasma concentration-versus-time data were best described by a two-compartment open model. The kinetic variables were similar in both species except for the volume of the central compartment (Vc), which was larger in sheep (p<0.05). Following i.m. injection, except for the longer half-life time of absorption in goats (p<0.05), there were no significant differences in other pharmacokinetic parameters between sheep and goats. The route of amoxicillin administration had no significant effect on the terminal elimination half-life in either species. The bioavailability of the drug (F) after i.m. administration was high (> 0.90) in both species. These results indicate that the pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin did not differ between sheep and goats; furthermore, because of the high availability and short half-life of absorption, the i.m. route gives similar results to the i.v. route. Therefore, identical intramuscular and intravenous dose regimens should be applicable to both species.

Pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination after intravenous and intramuscular administration to pigeons

The pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (4:1) combination were studied after intravenous and intramuscular administration of single doses (25 mg kg(-1) bodyweight) to 50 pigeons. The plasma concentrations-time data were analysed by compartmental pharmacokinetics and non-compartmental methods. The disposition curves for both drugs after intravenous administration were best described by a two-compartment open model. The apparent volumes of distribution of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid were 1.77 litres kg(-1) and 1.30 litres kg(-1) respectively. The body clearances of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid were not significantly different. The elimination half-lives of amoxicillin after intravenous and intramuscular administration were 1.22 (0.09) hour and 1.52 (0.09) hour respectively, and those of clavulanic acid were 1.15 (0.08) hour and 1.49 (0.08) hour. After intramuscular administration both drugs had a significantly longer half-life (P<0.05) than that after the intravenous treatment. The bioavailability after the intramuscular injection was high and similar for both drugs (75.98 per cent for amoxicillin and 74.61 per cent for clavulanic acid). The mean peak plasma concentration of clavulanic acid (0.29 hour) was reached earlier than amoxicillin (0.38 hour) and peak concentrations were proportional to the dose of both products administered (5.81 mg litre(-1) of amoxicillin and 1.89 mg litre(-1) of clavulanic acid). From a single administration it is proposed that an intramuscular dosage regimen of 105 mg kg(-1) of the combination (84 mg kg(-1) of amoxicillin and 21 mg kg(-1) of clavulanic acid) every 12 hours will achieve minimum concentrations > or =0.5 mg litre(-1) (minimum inhibitory concentration of most susceptible pathogens).

Penetration of amoxycillin into the respiratory tract tissues and secretions in pigs

The pharmacokinetic properties of amoxycillin, and its penetration into respiratory tract tissues (alveolar macrophages, bronchial secretions, bronchial mucosa, lung tissue and lymph nodes), were determined in 20 healthy female pigs weighing 29 to 55 kg, after a single intravenous dose of 8.6 mg kg(-1) bodyweight. Following intravenous administration the plasma concentration-time curves were best described by a three-compartment open model. The elimination half-life and the mean residence time were 2.5 and 1.4 hours, respectively. The volume of distribution at steady state was 0.52 litres kg(-1), and the body clearance was 0.40 litres hour(-1) kg(-1). In all structures (except alveolar macrophages) amoxycillin concentration peaked at the first sampling point, one hour after drug administration. The tissue to plasma ratio (based on AUC values) were 0.33 for bronchial secretions, 0.37 for bronchial mucosa, 0.39 for lung tissue and 0.68 for lymph nodes. Traces of amoxycillin were found in alveolar macrophages, but the concentrations were below the limit of quantification. The concentration of amoxycillin in secretions and tissue decreased by a slower rate than the concentration in plasma, resulting in increasing secretion- and tissue-to-plasma concentration ratios.

Bioavailability of amoxycillin in pigs

Amoxycillin was administered to pigs intravenously (i.v.), intramuscularly (i.m.) and orally (p.o.), in a cross-over design to examine the bioavailability (F) of various drug formulations. These included: a sodium salt for reconstitution in water and administration i.v.; trihydrate salt in an oil base for intramuscular administration producing 'conventional' duration of plasma concentrations; a trihydrate salt in oil base giving prolonged (LA) duration, and a trihydrate powder for oral administration in solution. The concentration of amoxycillin in plasma was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, and its pharmacokinetic variables were assessed for the individual pigs by use of noncompartmental methods. Following i.v. administration (8.6 mg/kg), amoxycillin was eliminated rapidly with a mean residence time (MRT) of 1.4 h. After i.m. administration of the conventional formulation (14.7 mg/kg), the plasma amoxycillin concentration peaked at 2 h at 5.1 micrograms/mL. The bioavailability was 0.83. Intramuscular administration (14.1 mg/kg) of the long acting formulation (i.m. LA), lead to two peaks in plasma at 1.3 and 6.6 h. The bioavailability was calculated to be 1.11. After p.o. administration to fasted pigs, peak concentration was reached after 1.9 h, and the bioavailability was 0.33. In fed pigs, the corresponding values were 3.6 h and 0.28. Data showed that treatment of respiratory tract diseases in pigs by p.o. dosing alone, may not be optimal, because of the relatively low bioavailability and the fact that infections often result in reduced feed and water consumption. A rational treatment regime for susceptible respiratory pathogens includes an initial i.m. injection, followed by p.o. dosing every 12 h. Alternatively, the long acting formulation may be administered i.m. in a dose of 15 mg/kg, which would lead to active plasma concentrations for approximately 48 h.

Pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination and of both drugs alone after intravenous administration to goats

The pharmacokinetic behaviour of an amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination (25 mg kg-1), and both drugs alone (amoxicillin 20 mg kg-1), clavulanic acid 5 mg kg-1), was studied after intravenous (i.v.) administration of single doses of 10 goats. The objective was to determine whether there were differences in the plasma kinetics of these drugs when administered in combination or alone. The plasma concentration-time data were analysed by compartmental pharmacokinetics and non-compartmental methods. The disposition curves for both drugs alone and in combination were best described by a biexponential equation (two-compartment open model). The elimination half-lives of amoxicillin were 1.05 +/- 0.09 h alone and 1.13 +/- 0.19 h in combination, and those of clavulanic acid were 0.87 +/- 0.07 h and 0.85 +/- 0.09 h, respectively. The apparent volumes of distribution of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid were similar in the two treatments. Body clearances of amoxicillin were 0.12 +/- 0.01 l h-1.kg alone and 0.11 +/- 0.01 l h-1.kg in combination, and of clavulanic acid were 0.12 +/- 0.02 l h-1.kg alone and 0.12 +/- 0.01 l h-1.kg in combination with amoxicillin. The half-lives and body clearances of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid did not differ significantly when administered alone and in combination. It was concluded that the i.v. administration of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid as a combination product did not alter the disposition kinetics of either drug.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination after intravenous administration to sheep and goats

The pharmacokinetic behaviour of an amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination was studied after intravenous administration of single doses (20 mg/kg per kg body weight) to five sheep and six goats. The objective was to determine whether there are differences between sheep and goats in the disposition of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. The plasma concentration-time data were analysed by compartmental pharmacokinetic and non-compartmental methods. The disposition curves for both drugs were best described by a biexponential equation (two-compartment open model) in sheep and goats. The elimination half-lives of amoxicillin were 1.43 +/- 0.16 h in sheep and 1.13 +/- 0.19 h in goats, and of clavulanic acid were 1.16 +/- 0.01 h and 0.85 +/- 0.09 h in sheep and goats respectively. The apparent volumes of distribution of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid were similar in the two species. Body clearances of amoxicillin were 0.09 +/- 0.01 L/h kg in sheep and 0.11 +/- 0.01 L/h kg in goats, and of clavulanic acid were 0.07 +/- 0.01 L/h kg and 0.12 +/- 0.01 L/h kg in sheep and goats respectively. The half-lives and body clearances of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid differed significantly between sheep and goats. It was concluded that the disposition of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid administered intravenously as an amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination to sheep and goats differed between the two ruminant species. Even though the differences in disposition kinetics of both drugs were statistically significant, the same intravenous dosing rate of this antimicrobial combination can generally be used in sheep and goats.