Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026

Microsurgical Skills of Establishing Permanent Jugular Vein Cannulation in Rats for Serial Blood Sampling of Orally Administered Drug
Published on: December 14, 2021
Plasma Concentration of Meloxicam in Pediatric Rats
Kristina A Pugh1, Kyle J Reitnauer2, Robyn B Lee3
1Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Branch, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland;,
Pediatric rat pups showed higher meloxicam plasma concentrations than adult rats when given the same dose. Peak plasma concentration was achieved faster in pups, indicating altered drug pharmacokinetics in younger animals.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Pharmacokinetics
- Drug Metabolism
Background:
- Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain management.
- Understanding pediatric drug pharmacokinetics is crucial for safe and effective dosing.
- Limited data exists on meloxicam pharmacokinetics in neonatal and juvenile rodents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma concentrations of meloxicam in pediatric rat pups of various ages (7, 14, 21, and 28 days) with young adult rats.
- To establish the target peak plasma concentration (Cmax) in adult rats for comparative analysis.
- To assess the influence of age on meloxicam absorption and Cmax in developing rats.
Main Methods:
- Adult rats received a subcutaneous (SC) dose of 1.34 mg/kg meloxicam.
- Pediatric rat pups (7, 14, 21, and 28 days old) also received a 1.34 mg/kg SC dose of meloxicam.
- Plasma meloxicam concentrations were measured to determine Cmax and time to Cmax.
- Plasma concentrations were compared between pediatric age groups and adult rats, as well as between sexes within pediatric groups.
Main Results:
- In all pediatric age groups, the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of meloxicam met or exceeded that observed in adult rats (11.5 ±2.7 μg/mL).
- Plasma meloxicam concentrations were comparable between male and female pups within each age group.
- Peak plasma concentration of meloxicam was achieved more rapidly in rat pups compared to adult rats.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric rat pups exhibit higher meloxicam plasma concentrations and faster achievement of Cmax compared to adult rats at the same dosage.
- These findings suggest age-dependent alterations in meloxicam pharmacokinetics in developing rats.
- Further studies are needed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of this dose in pediatric populations.
More Related Videos
09:04Comprehensive Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Placenta-Targeted Drug Delivery Using Three Complementary Methods
Published on: September 10, 2018
08:46Dose Uptake of Platinum- and Ruthenium-based Compound Exposure in Zebrafish by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry with Broader Applications
Published on: April 21, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
Drug Concentration Versus Time Correlation
Two pivotal parameters are the minimum effective concentration (MEC) and the minimum toxic concentration (MTC). The MEC is the...