Pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin in broiler chicken

Pharmacokinetics of ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antimicrobial agent, was determined in broiler chickens after intravenous or oral administration of a single dose (10 mg/kg). Ofloxacin concentrations in plasma were determined using a high-performance liquid chromatography assay. Plasma concentration profiles were analyzed by the noncompartmental method. Elimination half-life and mean residence time of ofloxacin in plasma were 4.46 and 5.48 h after intravenous administration and 5.85 and 7.43 h, respectively, after oral administration. Maximal plasma concentration of 3.65 microg/mL was achieved at 1.25 h after oral administration. Apparent volume of distribution of 1.76 and 2.16 L/kg and total body clearance of 4.96 and 4.5 mL/min/kg were obtained following intravenous and oral administration, respectively. The oral bioavailability of ofloxacin was 110.01%. Ofloxacin was found to be more rapidly absorbed, widely distributed and more quickly eliminated than other fluoroquinolones in broilers. Based on these kinetic parameters, a dosage of 10 mg/kg given orally every 24 h can be recommended for the treatment of bacterial infections with MIC90 < 0.3 microg/mL.