Pharmacokinetic properties of gentamicin and amikacin in the cockatiel

Gentamicin and amikacin are commonly used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of gram-negative bacterial infections. The present study evaluates the pharmacokinetics of gentamicin sulfate and amikacin sulfate in the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), a small (approximate body weight = 100 g) psittacine bird, utilizing treatment regimens developed in larger parrot species. Serum antibiotic concentrations were determined in cockatiels following twice-daily intramuscular treatment with 5 mg gentamicin/kg body weight and 15 mg amikacin/kg body weight. In the present study, peak values of gentamicin were 4.6 +/- 1.45 micrograms/ml, and trough values were 0.17 +/- 0.04 micrograms/ml. Amikacin administration resulted in peak values of 27.3 +/- 6.9 micrograms/ml and trough concentrations of 0.9 +/- 0.3 micrograms/ml. Based on the present study, an appropriate intramuscular dose regimen for gentamicin in cockatiels is 5 to 10 mg/kg body weight either two or three times per day. An intramuscular amikacin dosage of 15 to 20 mg/kg body weight either two or three times per day is recommended for treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria.