Pharmacokinetics of oral firocoxib in un-weaned calves

The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of firocoxib after oral administration in un-weaned calves. Eight Holstein calves with a mean age of 36 days and a mean weight of 55 kg were administered a single oral dose of 227 mg firocoxib. The resulting mean dosage was 4.2 mg/kg (range 3.5-5.0 mg/kg). Blood was collected prior to drug administration and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after treatment. Firocoxib concentrations in plasma were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Using computer software, pharmacokinetic parameters were found to fit best with a one-compartment model. Mean C_max was 0.9 μg/ml (range 0.570-1.254), and T_max was estimated to be 7 h (range 4-8 h). The estimated T_1/2 was 15.3 h. The pharmacokinetics of firocoxib after oral dosing are similar to those in dogs, with the exception of a T_1/2 that is approximately twice as long. Based on the similar pharmacokinetics, it is possible that a dose of 227 mg firocoxib orally could provide an analgesic effect in un-weaned calves.