Bioavailability of ruminally protected sulfamethoxazole after oral administration in ruminating calves.

Bioavailabilities of oral rumen-protected and non-protected formulations of sulfamethoxazole (SMS) were compared in ruminating calves, since in vitro degradation of SMX in ruminal fluid was confirmed. The coated with a gastric-acid-soluble polymer and uncoated formulations were administered to 3 calves through a catheter. Neither formulation could produce sufficient blood concentration of the drug, though the bioavailability of SMX for the coated formulation was higher than that for the uncoated formulation. It was suggested that the rumen-protected drug could improve the bioavailability by escaping from degradation in the rumen, but scarcely attain the effective levels in blood.