Pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin in Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) following intravenous and oral administration.

1. The pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin were investigated in Japanese quails after a single dose of 10 mg/kg BW, given either intravenously or orally. 2. Following intravenous administration, the mean value of distribution at steady state (Vd(ss)), total body clearance (Cl(tot)) and mean residence time (MRT) of levofloxacin were 1·25 l/kg, 0·39 l/h/kg and 2·72 h, respectively. 3. Following oral administration of levofloxacin, the peak plasma concentration (C(max)) was 3·31 µg/ml and was achieved at a maximum time (T(max)) of 2 h. Mean residence time (MRT), mean absorption time (MAT) and bioavailability were 4·26 h, 1·54 h and 69·01%, respectively. In vitro plasma protein binding of levofloxacin was 23·52%. 4. Based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic integration, an oral dose of 10 mg/kg levofloxacin for every 12 h is recommended for a successful clinical effect in quails.