Intravenous pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in goats

The pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in goats was studied following intravenous administration. A single dose of 10 mg/kg was administered as an intravenous bolus, and serum samples were collected at predetermined intervals over a 24 h period. Ciprofloxacin levels were measured using high pressure liquid chromatography and the resulting concentration versus time curve was analyzed using a non linear regression analysis. The data were best represented by a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model with a mean elimination half-life of 2.72+/-1.04 h. Mean pharmacokinetic parameters obtained were area under the curve (AUC: 10.320+/-5.137 microg/ml per h), mean residence time (MRT: 3.334+/-1.428 h), apparent volume of distribution (Vdss: 3.373+/-0.893 l/kg) and total body drug clearance (tCl 19.596+/-9.059 ml/min per kg). Ciprofloxacin in goats showed the general pharmacokinetic characteristics of a typical fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent and we recommend a dose of 10 mg/kg to be administered intravenously at 12 h intervals to goats.