PHARMACOKINETICS OF ORALLY ADMINISTERED FLUNIXIN MEGLUMINE IN AFRICAN (LOXODONTA AFRICANA) AND ASIAN (ELEPHAS MAXIMUS) ELEPHANTS.

摘要: Flunixin meglumine is the most commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to treat elephants; however, no pharmacokinetic study for flunixin has yet been conducted in these species, and dosages range widely. Pharmacokinetic parameters of were determined African (Loxodonta africana) Asian (Elephas maximus) elephants after single-dose oral administration 0.8 1.5 mg/kg paste each species. Elephant compliance banamine was occasionally challenging, especially among older, female elephants. After flunixin, mean serum concentrations peaked approximately 1.3 hr at 2.1 ± µg/ml (n = 8) 2.8 2.5 0.7 Dosages resulted concentration peaks 7.2 7) 4.4 6). However, multiple-dose trials using 1.1 peak that again less than (2.7 versus µg/ml, respectively). consistently had lower time maximal concentration, greater area under curve, longer residence times compared with In other excreted unchanged primarily via hepatic routes small amounts urine. may engage some level enterohepatic recycling as previously reported phenylbutazone. This supports different dosing regimens should be (1.0 SID) (1.2 elephants, techniques ensure complete dosage delivery.