Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of cefquinome in healthy piglets

A study on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of cefquinome in piglets was conducted after intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) administrations of 2.0 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. Plasma concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography assay with UV detector at 268-nm wavelength. Plasma concentration-time data after i.v. administration were best fit by a two-compartment model. The pharmacokinetic values were distribution half-life 0.27 +/- 0.21 h, elimination half-life 1.85 +/- 1.11 h, total body clearance 0.26 +/- 0.08 L/kg.h, area under curve 8.07 +/- 1.91 microg x h/mL and volume of distribution at steady state 0.46 +/- 0.10 L/kg. Plasma concentration-time data after i.m. administration were also best fit by a two-compartment model. The pharmacokinetic parameters were distribution half-life 0.88 +/- 0.42 h, elimination half-life 4.36 +/- 2.35 h, peak concentration 4.01 +/- 0.57 microg/mL and bioavailability 95.13 +/- 9.93%.