The metabolism of bifluranol by rat, dog and ferret

The synthesis of monohydroxy- and dihydroxy-bifluranol, and of glucuronide and sulphate conjugates of bifluranol are described. Bifluranol administered orally to rats, ferrets and dogs at a dosage of 50 to 200 microgram kg-1 is mostly excreted in the faeces as unchanged bifluranol and bifluranol monosulphate, disulphate and monoglucuronide. The bifluranol is well absorbed and is mostly excreted in the bile, as six different conjugates, including a glucuronide sulphate found in all 3 species, and a glucuronide phosphate found only in ferret and dog bile. Hydroxylation of the aromatic rings occurs in the rat, to an extent of about 8% of the dose, but was not detected in ferret or dog.