Pharmacokinetics of Sulphamethazine and its Acetyl Metabolite in Chickens

Abstract

Rajaian, H., Symonds, H.W. and Bowmer, C.J. 2001. Pharmacokinetics of sulphamethazine and its acetyl metabolite in chickens. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 19: 85–96.

The aim of this study was: first, to establish the basic pharmacokinetic characteristics of sulphamethazine following single intravenous, intramuscular, intracrop and oral dose to chickens; and second, to determine the kinetic behaviour of its main metabolite, N⁴-acetyl sulphamethazine. Each group of five Hi-Sex chickens was given a bolus dose of sulphamethazine (100 mg kg⁻¹) by the above routes. Blood samples were collected at various time intervals for up to 48 h after dosing and were assayed spectrophotometrically for the presence of sulphamethazine and its metabolite. The results suggest first, that the blood clearance (≈0.06 L h⁻¹ kg⁻¹) and elimination half-life (≈9 h) of sulphamethazine in chickens are independent of the route of administration and second, the extent of acetylation of sulphamethazine in chickens may be influenced by the route by which the drug is administered and is low for the intramuscular route.

Keywords:

• Sulphamethazine
• pharmacokinetics
• chicken