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Pharmacokinetics and tissue concentrations of azithromycin in ball pythons (Python regius)
Rob L Coke1, Robert P Hunter, Ramiro Isaza
1Zoological Pharmacology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
American Journal of Veterinary Research
|February 27, 2003
Summary
Azithromycin is well absorbed in ball pythons, with oral administration showing 77% bioavailability. Recommended dosage is 10 mg/kg orally every 2-7 days for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Herpetology
- Antimicrobial Pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Azithromycin is a widely used antibiotic.
- Limited pharmacokinetic data exists for its use in reptiles, specifically ball pythons.
- Understanding drug disposition is crucial for effective treatment protocols in exotic animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the pharmacokinetics of azithromycin in ball pythons.
- To measure tissue concentrations of azithromycin after intravenous (IV) and oral administration.
- To establish optimal dosing regimens for azithromycin in this species.
Main Methods:
- A crossover study design was used in 7 adult ball pythons.
- Azithromycin (10 mg/kg) was administered via IV and oral routes with a 4-week washout period.
- Blood and tissue samples were collected at various time points for azithromycin quantification using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Main Results:
- Azithromycin exhibited a mean oral bioavailability of 77% in ball pythons.
- Terminal half-lives were 17 hours (IV) and 51 hours (oral).
- Tissue concentrations were significantly higher than plasma concentrations, ranging from 4 to 140 times.
Conclusions:
- Azithromycin is well-absorbed and tolerated in ball pythons.
- Pharmacokinetic data supports an oral dosage of 10 mg/kg every 2 to 7 days.
- This regimen can be adjusted based on infection site and pathogen susceptibility.