Pharmacokinetic study of sulfadimethoxine depletion in suckling and growing pigs.

Sulfadimethoxine was administered (IV) to suckling pigs (1 to 2 weeks old) and to growing pigs (11 to 12 weeks old) at a dosage of 55 mg/kg of body weight (single dose). Blood samples were collected over a 48-hour period, and the animals euthanatized were used for measurements of plasma and tissue concentrations of the drug. The blood data were described, using a one-compartment pharmacokinetic model. The blood concentration curves for the two groups of pigs had a consistent depletion pattern with greater than therapeutic concentrations (50 micrograms/ml) of the drug persisting through 12 hours after the drug was given. Sulfonamide blood concentrations were 4 and 11 times that of the method sensitivities in the older (growing) and younger (suckling) pigs, respectively, at 48 hours after treatment. In four of the five pharmacokinetic variables studied, a significantly higher (P less than 0.01) degree of efficiency was observed in the ability of the older pigs to eliminate the drug than in the younger pigs.