Single intramuscular administration of long-acting oxytetracycline in grouper (Epinephelus marginatus)

Abstract

The plasma concentration of long-acting oxytetracycline (OTC-LA) was measured following a single intramuscular (IM) injection (50 mg/kg) in grouper (Epinephelus marginatus), a common inhabitant of marine aquaria and a potential candidate for fish farming. The experiment was carried out at 20 °C and sampling points were selected at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h post-administration. OTC concentration in grouper circulation was maintained at high levels for the whole experiment (8.35-39.67 μg/mL) with maximum plasma concentration measured at 1 h postinjection. The area under the curve values was also promising since AUC0-24 and AUC 0-48 were calculated to be high (363.45 and 668.73 μg h/mL, respectively). Due to the high OTC levels accomplished for prolonged period of time, a single administration of OTC-LA could be an ideal route in cases when multiple handling is unwanted and big animals such as grouper are to be treated. © Tübi̇tak.