Comparative Pharmacokinetics and Dosage Regimen of Cefepime in Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis) following Intravenous and Intramuscular Administration

The disposition kinetics and dosage regimen of cefepime were compared after its intravenous and intramuscular administration at 10 mg.kg-1 in healthy buffalo calves. The drug concentration in plasma was estimated by microbiological assay. The peak plasma concentration of cefepime after intravenous injection was at 1 min (46.4 ± 0.40 g.ml-1) and after intramuscular administration it was at after 45 min (24.0 ± 0.30 g.ml-1). The elimination half-life following intravenous and intramuscular administration were 2.75 ± 0.06 h and 2.46 ± 0.004 h, respectively. To maintain a minimum therapeutic concentration of cefepime as 1.0 g.ml-1, a satisfactory dosage regimen of cefepime should be 11.0 mg.ml-1 for intravenous and 14.8 mg.ml-1 for intramuscular administration repeated at 12 h intervals.