Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of ketoprofen after intravenous and intramuscular administration in camels.

The pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen were determined after an intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (i.m.) dose of 2.0 mg/kg body weight in five camels (Camelus dromedarius) using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The data obtained (median and range) following i.v. administration was as follows: the elimination half-life (t(1/2beta)) was 4.16 (2.65-4.29) h, the steady state volume of distribution (Vss) was 130.2 (103.4-165.3) mL/kg, volume of distribution (area method) (Vd(area)) was 321.5 (211.4-371.0) mL/kg, total body clearance (Cl) was 1.00 (0.88-1.08) mL/min x kg and renal clearance was 0.01 (0.003-0.033) mL/min x kg. Following i.m. administration, the drug was rapidly absorbed with peak serum concentration of 12.2 (4.80-14.4) microg/mL at 1.50 (1.00-2.00) h. The systemic availability of ketoprofen was complete. The apparent half-life was 3.28 (2.56-4.14) h. A hydroxylated metabolite of ketoprofen was identified by (GC/MS) under electron impact (EI) and chemical ionization (CI) scan modes. The detection times for ketoprofen and hydroxy ketoprofen in urine after an intravenous (i.v.) dose of 3.0 mg/kg body weight was 24.00 and 70.00 h, respectively. Serum protein binding of ketoprofen at 20 microg/mL was extensive; (99.1+/-0.15%).