Studies of absorption, distribution and excretion of 2,6-xylidide of 2-pyridone-3-carboxylic acid (isonixine).

The absorption, tissue distribution and excretion of 14C-labelled 2,6-xylidide of 2-pyridone-3-carboxylic acid (isonixine) have been investigated in the rat after intragastric and intraduodenal administration. Isonixine was rapidly absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. The half-life of absorption was 3.15 h. The product was soon distributed in the whole organism. The radioactive metabolites were excreted rapidly, the major route being the urinary tract (85% in 72 h). There was no evidence of long-term storage of isonixine in the body. These results were confirmed by autoradiographic studies in the mouse after oral administration.