The pharmacokinetics of sparfloxacin in broiler chicken was investigated following a single intravenous dose of 10 mg/kg and a single oral dose of 20 mg/kg. The pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC(0-24) or C(max)) were integrated with the pharmacodynamic parameter (MIC(90)) to optimize sparfloxacin dosage in chicken. 2. The apparent volume of distribution, total body clearance, mean residence time and elimination half-life following oral administration were 2.411/kg, 4.55 ml/min per kg, 10.54 and 5.94 h, respectively. Oral bioavailability was 61.7%. 3. Sparfloxacin was found to possess clinically useful pharmacokinetic properties. Based on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic integration an oral dose of 20 mg/kg sparfloxacin for every 24 h might be recommended for a successful clinical effect in chickens.