Pharmacokinetic study of single dose intramuscular administration of meloxicam in Barbari goats

Abstract

Pharmacokinetic studies of meloxicam, was conducted in six healthy goats after intramuscular administration @ 0.50mg/kg b.w. The study was performed by cross-over design. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein at predetermined time intervals after drug administration. Plasma concentrations of meloxicam were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. Various pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental model. The drug showed absorption half life (t1/2ka) of 0.33±0.03h and elimination half life (t1/2β) of 7.34±0.24h. Large volume of distribution (Vdarea) of 370.71±12.18ml.kg-1 in goats indicated high distribution of drug into various body fluids and tissues. The average values for area under plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC(0-∞)) and area under first moment curve (AUMC) was 14.29±0.23µg.ml-1.h and 154.52±4.73µg.ml-1.h2, with mean residence time (MRT) of 10.82±0.30h respectively.