Pharmacokinetics of tolfenamic acid and its detection time in urine after intravenous administration of the drug in camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

Objective: To document tolfenamic acid disposition variables, identify its major phase-1 metabolite and fragmentation pattern, and establish detection time in urine after single IV bolus administration to make recommendations on avoiding violative residues in racing camels.

Animals: 7 healthy camels (6 males, 1 female), 8 to 11 years old and weighing from 300 to 480 kg.

Procedure: Blood samples were collected at 0, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes and at 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 hours after IV administration of tolfenamic acid (2.0 mg/kg of body weight). Urine samples were collected daily for 14 days after drug administration. Serum tolfenamic acid concentration was measured; limit of quantification was 50 ng/ml. A metabolite of tolfenamic acid in urine was isolated and identified, and its major fragmentation pattern was verified. Screening for tolfenamic acid and its metabolite in urine was performed.

Results: Mean +/- SEM tolfenamic acid elimination half-life was 5.76+/-0.26 hours. Total body clearance was 0.109+/-0.011 L/kg/h, and steady-state volume of distribution was 0.68+/-0.06 L/kg. Detection time for tolfenamic acid and its hydroxylated metabolite in urine after IV administration of a dose of 2.0 mg/kg was 5 and 7 days, respectively.

Conclusions: Camels eliminate tolfenamic acid mainly via metabolism more slowly than do cattle. The extrapolated dose regimen from cattle to camels appears inappropriate. Veterinarians are advised not to use tolfenamic acid in camels for at least 8 days prior to racing.