[Phamacokinetics of low-molecular-weight heparins Fragmin D in dogs]

The pharmacokinetics of a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH; Fragmin D) was studied in dogs after intravenous and subcutaneous administration, based on antifactor Xa- (anti-fXa-) activity. Each dosage was examined in 5 adult Beagles. After intravenous application of 25, 50 and 100 anti-fXaU./kg body weight (BW) the mean peak plasma heparin activity of 0.52 +/- 0.12 (x +/- s), 1.08 +/- 0.23 and 1.86 +/- 0.17 anti-fXaU./ml, respectively, was measured. After subcutaneous application of 50, 100 and 200 anti-fXaU./kg BW maximum heparin activity in the plasma was determined after 144-216 minutes (mean values) of 0.28 +/- 0.01, 0.52 +/- 0.06 or 1.09 +/- 0.20 anti-fXaU./ml. Intravenous application of LMWH has a short plasma terminal half-life (t50) between 49 and 76 minutes which depended on the dosage. After administration of 50 anti-fXaU./kg BW (74 minutes) and 100 anti-fXaU./kg BW (76 minutes) no essential difference was shown. A distinctly longer t50 was found after subcutaneous injection. After injection of 50, 100 and 200 anti-fXaU./kg BW t50 values of 81, 123 and 182 minutes were calculated. According to this, with increasing dosage a decrease of the total clearance was found for both application routes. The apparent volume of distribution after intravenously applicated LMWH ranged between 50 and 70 ml/kg BW. The absolute bioavailability calculated for the subcutaneous NMH-injection of 50 and 100 anti-fXaU./kg BW was 107% and 104%, respectively.