Pharmacokinetics of cefquinome after single and repeated subcutaneous administrations in sheep

The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of cefquinome (CFQ) following single and repeated subcutaneous (SC) administrations in sheep. Six clinically healthy, 1.5 ± 0.2 years sheep were used for the study. In pharmacokinetic study, the crossover design in three periods was performed. The withdrawal interval between the study periods was 15 days. In first period, CFQ (Cobactan, 2.5%) was administered by an intravenous (IV) bolus (3 sheep) and SC (3 sheep) injections at 2.5 mg/kg dose. In second period, the treatment administration was repeated via the opposite administration route. In third period, CFQ was administrated subcutaneously to each sheep (n = 6) at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg q. 24 hr for 5 days. Plasma concentrations of CFQ were measured using the HPLC-UV method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental methods. The elimination half-life and mean residence time of CFQ after the single SC administration were longer than IV administration (p < 0.05). Bioavailability (F%) of CFQ following the single SC administration was 123.51 ± 11.54%. The area under the curve (AUC0-∞) and peak concentration following repeated doses (last dose) were higher than those observed after the first dose (p < 0.05). CFQ accumulated after repeated SC doses. CFQ can be given via SC at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg every 24 hr for the treatment of infections caused by susceptible pathogens, which minimum inhibitory concentration is ≤1.0 μg/ml in sheep.