PHARMACOKINETIC STUDY OF SULFADIMETHOXINE DEPLETION IN SUCKLING AND GROWING-PIGS

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 40  (5) , 713-715
Abstract
Sulfadimethoxine was administered i.v. to suckling pigs (1-2 wk old) and to growing pigs (11-12 wk old) at a dosage of 55 mg/kg of body weight (single dose). Blood samples were collected over a 48-h period and the animals euthanatized were used for measurements of plasma and tissue concentrations of the drug. The blood data were described, using a 1-compartment pharmacokinetic model. The blood concentration curves for the 2 groups of pigs had a consistent depletion pattern with greater than therapeutic concentrations (50 .mu.g/ml) of the drug persisting through 12 h after the drug was given. Sulfonamide blood concentrations were 4 and 11 times that of the method sensitivities in the older (growing) and younger (suckling) pigs, respectively, at 48 h after treatment. In 4 of the 5 pharmacokinetic variables studied, a significantly higher (P < 0.01) degree of efficiency was observed in the ability of the older pigs to eliminate the drug than in the younger pigs.