Fluoride pharmacokinetics in the domestic pig.

Plasma fluoride concentrations were studied in 11 pigs following single oral or intravenous doses of fluoride. The results showed a less-than-20% bioavailability of fluoride when administered with calcium-rich food. Pharmacokinetic analyses showed that the plasma half-life varied from 0.6 to 1.4 h, depending on diet and route of fluoride administration. These data are comparable to those reported for man, and thus illustrate the suitability of the pig for studies of effects of fluoride on hard tissues.