Influence of the Injection Site on the Pharmacokinetics of Cefquinome Following Intramuscular Injection in Piglets

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of different injection sites, i.e., the neck area and thigh muscle, on the pharmacokinetics of cefquinome in piglets following intramuscular (i.m.) injection. Cross-bred (Landrace × Duroc × Yorkshire) piglets were administered the same dose of cefquinome (2 mg/kg body weight) via intravenous injection and intramuscular injection into the neck area or thigh. The mean maximum concentrations (Cmax) of cefquinome following i.m. injection into neck or thigh area were 4.62 ± 0.31 μg/ml at 0.38 ± 0.14 hr and 4.39 ± 0.53 μg/ml at 0.42 ± 0.13 hr, respectively. The absolute bioavailabilities (F) of cefquinome after i.m. injection into the neck or thigh area were 103.04 ± 13.01 and 97.56 ± 16.14%, respectively (P>0.05). There were no differences noted between the two different injection sites for the pharmacokinetic properties of cefquinome after i.m. injection in piglets. Further studies will be needed to determine the incidence or severity of injection site reactions following repeated administrations of cefquinome into both injection sites.