Disposition of sulphadiazine in young rhesus monkeys with protein calorie malnutrition.

Disposition of sulphadiazine was assessed in young rhesus monkeys under three stages of nutritional manipulations i.e. control, protein calorie malnutrition (PCM) state and following nutritional rehabilitation. There was no alteration in the absorption kinetics except a delayed peak in the malnourished group. A decrease in volume of distribution of drug in the peripheral compartment was noted. The most significant changes observed was in the elimination kinetic parameter. The (Ke) elimination rate constant and the clearance rate showed a significant decrease which could be either because of decreased rate of acetylation or a decrease volume of distribution.