Comparative pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and renal clearance of five parenteral oxytetracycline-20% formulations in dairy cows.

Oxytetracycline (OTC) concentrations on plasma and milk of dairy cows were determined following a single intramuscular injection of five oxytetracycline-20% formulations at a dosage of approximately 10 mg/kg. For obtaining pharmacokinetic reference parameters, one 10% OTC formulation was administered intravenously. The five 20% formulations were compared and evaluated pharmacokinetically with respect to absorption rate, peak plasma and milk OTC concentrations, biological half-life, and relative bioavailability. The mean maximum plasma OTC concentrations varied between 4.5 and 6.8 micrograms/ml and were achieved between 5 and 10 h p.i., depending on the formulation involved. The mean maximum milk concentrations, ranging from 1.12 to 1.92 micrograms/ml, were achieved 12 to 24 h p.i. A plasma OTC concentration exceeding 0.5 microgram/ml was maintained for 48 h to 70 h, and in milk for 33 to 49 h, depending on the formulation involved. Formulations exhibiting the lowest clinically noticeable irritation showed the highest peak plasma OTC concentrations and the best bioavailability. Among the formulations the calculated withholding periods for milk were in the range of 3 to 4 days and for edible tissues of 9 to 14 days. The OTC and creatinine clearances were significantly correlated to each other and to the urinary flow. OTC was excreted predominantly by glomerular filtration, partly by tubular secretion minus urogenital (distal renal tubuli and bladder) reabsorption.