Posaconazole pharmacokinetics after administration of an intravenous solution, oral suspension, and delayed-release tablet to dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To determine pharmacokinetics of posaconazole in dogs given an IV solution, oral suspension, and delayed-release tablet.

ANIMALS: 6 healthy dogs.

PROCEDURES: Posaconazole was administered IV (3 mg/kg) and as an oral suspension (6 mg/kg) to dogs in a randomized crossover study. Blood samples were collected before (time 0) and for 48 hours after each dose. In an additional experiment, 5 of the dogs received posaconazole delayed-release tablets (mean dose, 6.9 mg/kg); blood samples were collected for 96 hours. Plasma concentrations were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

IV solution terminal half-life (t1/2) was 29 hours (coefficient of variation [CV], 23%). Clearance and volume of distribution were 78 mL/h/kg (CV, 59%) and 3.3 L/kg (CV, 38%), respectively. Oral suspension t1/2 was 24 hours (CV, 42%). Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of 0.42 μg/mL (CV, 56%) was obtained at 7.7 hours (CV, 92%). Mean bioavailability was 26% (range, 7.8% to 160%). Delayed-release tablet t1/2 was 42 hours (CV, 25%), with a Cmax of 1.8 μg/mL (CV, 44%) at 9.5 hours (CV, 85%). Mean bioavailability of tablets was 159% (range, 85% to 500%). Bioavailability of delayed-release tablets was 497% (range, 140% to 1,800%) relative to that of the oral suspension.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Absorption of posaconazole oral suspension in dogs was variable. Absorption of the delayed-release tablets was greater than absorption of the oral suspension, with a longer t1/2 that may favor its clinical use in dogs. Administration of delayed-release tablets at a dosage of 5 mg/kg every other day can be considered for future studies.