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Abstract
The goal of the studies presented herein was to investigate the pharmacokinetic behavior of two formulations of ceftiofur (ceftiofur crystalline free acid (CCFA) and ceftiofur sodium) in an effort to provide data that could expand therapeutic applications. First, a study of plasma and pulmonary pharmacokinetics of CCFA in adult horses supported the administration of CCFA every 7 days if prolonged administration is clinically warranted after the initial 2 doses recommended by the manufacturer. Second, the plasma concentration versus time profile of ceftiofur and metabolites after subcutaneous administration of CCFA to adult horses was similar to that observed after intramuscular administration. However, visible injection site swellings were more severe after subcutaneous administration. Lastly, nebulization of ceftiofur sodium to weanling foals was well tolerated and resulted in significantly higher drug concentrations in pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) compared to administration of the same dose intramuscularly.