THE INFLUENCE OF AGE ON THE PHARMACOKINETICS OF ADITOPRIM IN PIGS AFTER INTRAVENOUS AND ORAL-ADMINISTRATION

Some pharmacokinetic parameters of aditoprim were determined in 3- and 6-month-old pigs. After intravenous administration of 5 mg/kg body weight, the mean total body clearance of the older pigs was smaller than that of the younger pigs. This difference was not reflected in the elimination half-life. After oral administration of 5 mg/kg body weight, the mean absorption rate constant was smaller and the mean absorption half-life was longer in the older pigs. The age-related changes in the pharmacokinetics of aditoprim were not sufficiently pronounced to suggest the necessity of modifying the oral dosage regimen in pigs of this age range. The favourable pharmacokinetics of aditoprim in pigs (large apparent volume of distribution, long elimination half-life and high bioavailability) may permit introduction of this drug into swine practice, after safety and residue depletion studies.