Pharmacokinetics of cefoperazone in horses.

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of cefoperazone (CPZ) were studied following intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) administration of single doses (30 mg/kg) to horses. Concentrations in serum, urine and synovial fluid samples were measured following IV administration. CPZ concentrations in serum, synovial fluid and spongy bone samples were measured following IM administration. After IV administration a rapid distribution phase (t1/2 (alpha): 4.22 +/- 2.73 min) was followed by a slower elimination phase (t1/2(beta) 0.77 +/- 0.19 h). The apparent volume of distribution was 0.68 +/- 0.10 L/kg. Mean synovial fluid peak concentration was 5.76 +/- 0.74 microgram/mliter. After IM administration a bioavailability of 42.00 +/- 5.33% was obtained. Half-life of absorption was 2.51 +/- 0.72 min and t1/2(beta) was 1.52 +/- 0.15 h. The mean synovial fluid and spongy bone peak concentrations at 2 h after IM administration were 2.91 +/- 0.85 microgram/mliter and 5.56 +/- 0.70 microgram/mliter, respectively.