Disposition kinetics and dosage regimen of cefotaxime in cross-bred male calves.

The disposition kinetics and dosage regimen of cefotaxime were investigated in cross-bred calves following a single intravenous administration of cefotaxime (10 mg/kg). The elimination rate constant and elimination half-life were 0.273 +/- 0.060 h-1 and 3.48 +/- 1.17 h, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution (Vd area) and total plasma clearance were 3.51 +/- 0.66 l/kg and 0.81 +/- 0.10 l.kg-1.h-1, respectively. To maintain a minimum therapeutic concentration of 0.6 microgram/ml, a satisfactory intravenous dosage regimen of cefotaxime in calves should be 11 mg/kg followed by 9 mg/kg at 6 h.