Pharmacokinetics of marbofloxacin, after single intravenous administrations, in buffaloes calves

Abstract

Marbofloxacin is a synthetic, bactericidal antimicrobial, belonging to the fluoroquinolone group which acts by inhibition of DNA gyrase and those acts by concentration dependant killing mechanism, so high plasma concentration initially is important. This drug is a fluoroquinolone developed exclusively for veterinary use, and exhibit high bactericidal activity against a broad spectrum of aerobic gram-negative, some gram-positive bacteria and Mycoplasma spp. The pharmacokinetic behaviour of marbofloxacin was investigated after intravenous (2 mg/kg) in five clinically healthy buffaloes (10 days-old). Plasma concentrations of the marbofloxacin were determined by a HPLC/ u.v. method. After intravenous administration, marbofloxacin in buffaloes was characterized by a AUC = 8,42±3,71 μg·h/ml, a large volume of distribution (Vss=1.59±0.55 L/kg) and a long persistence with an elimination half-life (t1/2λ) of 4.6±0,31 h, and MRT 5,90±0,57h. Furthermore, marbofloxacin in buffaloes was characterized by a relatively low total body clearance (Cl) of 0.28±0.12 L/kg·h.