Comparative pharmacokinetics of amikacin following a single intramuscular or subcutaneous administration in goats (Capra hircus).

The pharmacokinetics of amikacin sulfate was investigated following a single intramuscular (i.m.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) administration (10 mg/kg). The plasma concentration versus time data were analysed using the biexponential equation for first-order absorption and elimination phases for both the i.m. and s.c. routes. The absorption half life values for the i.m. and s.c. routes were found to be 14.64 and 12.36 min, respectively. The biological half-life values of amikacin following i.m. and s.c. routes were found to be 84.46 and 93.96 min, respectively. The systemic availability of amikacin for both the i.m. (102.15 +/- 5.08%) and s.c. (106.82 +/- 12.95%) routes was found to be almost complete. Thus, based on the data of short absorption half life, almost complete systemic availability, slightly longer biological half life and ease of administration, we suggest that the s.c. route be preferred over the i.m. route for amikacin administration in goats. Amikacin at a dose level of 8 mg/kg body weight at 12 h intervals would result in a therapeutic peak plasma concentration (Cpmax) of 32.30 micrograms/mL, which is not expected to produce any oto- or nephropathic effects.