Effect of Arsenic on the Disposition Kinetics of Sulphadimidine and Protective efficacy of Pipali (piper longum) in Cockerels

This study was designed to evaluate pharmacokinetics of sulphadimidine &nbsp; in cockerels fed on subclinical dose of arsenic (100 ppm) in diet and to determine the protective efficacy following simultaneous dietary medication with Piper longum (pipli) &nbsp; (100 ppm) in a 12-week feeding trial. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined after single i.v. dose (50 mg/kg) of sulphadimidine in cockerels in three groups fed on 0 ppm &nbsp; arsenic(control), 100 ppm arsenic and arsenic plus powdered dried fruits of Piper longum (100 ppm each)), respectively, in ration for 12 weeks. The elimination half-life (t 1/2 b , h), AUC (&micro;g mL -1 h) and MRT (h) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in arsenic-treated group than those in arsenic plus pipali and control groups. The distribution half-life (t 1/2 a , h), Vd area (L/kg) and clearance (Cl, mL/kg/h) were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in arsenic-treated group in comparison to arsenic plus pipali and control groups. Dosage regimens at 8 and 12 h interval for therapeutic plasma concentration (25 &micro;g/mL) of sulphadimidine revealed significant (P<0.05) reduction in priming and maintenance doses in arsenic-treated cockerels in comparison to control. However, the priming and maintenance doses were higher in arsenic plus pipali-treated group than those in the group treated only with arsenic. It is, thus, concluded from this study that arsenic altered pharmacokinetics of sulphadimidine in cockerels and simultaneous treatment with pipali for 12 weeks (100 ppm) revealed protective efficacy against arsenic-induced pharmacokinetic effects.