Pharmacokinetics of gentamicin after intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration in cats.

Six adult mixed breed cats were given 5 mg of gentamicin sulfate/kg of body weight by rapid IV, IM, or SC injection. The serum concentration vs time data were analyzed, using a noncompartmental model based on statistical moment theory. The mean +/- SD for the effective half-life after IV administration was 1.25 +/- 0.30 hours. Mean residence time was 1.80 +/- 0.43 hours. The apparent volume of distribution at steady state was 0.14 +/- 0.02 L/kg. Total body clearance was 1.38 +/- 0.35 ml/min/kg. Bioavailability was 67.8% after IM and 76.2% after SC administration. A recommended dosage of 3 mg of gentamicin/kg every 8 hours was calculated; this dosage would induce an average steady state serum gentamicin concentration of 4 micrograms/ml. The SC route of administration was preferred because of rapid absorption, good bioavailability, and ease of administration.