Pharmacokinetics and distribution of ceftazidime to milk after intravenous and intramuscular administration to lactating female dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Objective-To determine the plasma disposition kinetics, absolute bioavailability, and milk concentrations of ceftazidime in healthy lactating female dromedary camels (Came/us dromedarius) following IV and IM administration of a single dose of 10 mg/kg (4.5 mg/lb). Design-Prospective crossover study. Animals-8 healthy adult lactating female dromedary camels. Procedures-Camels received ceftazidime (10 mg/kg) IV and IM in a crossover study design with a 15-day washout period between treatments. Plasma and milk samples were collected at predetermined times for 48 hours after drug administration and analyzed by use of high-performance liquid chromatography. Results-A 2-compartment open model best represented the plasma concentration-versus-time data after IV and IM administration of ceftazidime to camels. Plasma ceftazidime concentrations decreased biexponentially after IV administration with mean distribution and elimination half-lives of 0.3 hours and 2.85 hours, respectively. After IM administration, the mean maximum plasma concentration of ceftazidime was 32.43 mu g/mL (1.21 hours after administration), mean elimination half-life was 3.20 hours, mean residence time was 4.84 hours, and mean systemic bioavailability was 93.72%. Distribution of ceftazidime from plasma to milk was rapid and extensive as indicated by the ratio of the area under the milk concentration-versus-time curve to the area under the plasma concentration-versus-time curve and the ratio of the maximum milk concentration to the maximum plasma concentration of ceftazidime after IV and IM administration. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Results suggested that ceftazidime may be a useful treatment for female camels with mastitis caused by susceptible microorganisms.