1998/10/01 by Nélida Fernández, M. Fernández, Juan J. García +7 · 1 citation
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Veterinary · #Agricultural safety and regulations #Helminth infection and control #Plant and fungal interactions
paper · doi:10.1080/00480169.1998.36084
crossref issued 1998/10/01 · crossref published 1998/10/01 · crossref published-print 1998/10/01 · openalex publication_date 1998/10/01 · crossref created 2011/02/23 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · crossref deposited 2025/03/02 · crossref indexed 2026/07/30 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
AIMS: To determine the bioavailability of levamisole in sheep. METHODS: Levamisole was administered to three groups of six Merino sheep orally and intramuscularly at three dose levels of 5, 7.5 and 10 mg/kg. There was a washout period of 1 week between treatments. Blood samples were collected by jugular venepuncture and plasma was separated immediately by centrifugation and stored at 20 degrees C until analysed. The levamisole concentration in plasma was determined by high performance liquid chromatography with a U.V. detection method. Individual plasma levamisole concentration-time data were analysed using the compartmental method. RESULTS: The values obtained for k(a), C(max), t(max) and F show a moderate rate and extent of absorption after oral administration of levamisole while, after intramuscular administration, these values demonstrate a high rate and extent of absorption of levamisole. The intramuscular bioavailability was higher than the oral bioavailability (rate of absorption three-fold faster, extent of absorption 25-33% higher and C(max) two-fold higher). The Friedman test involving dose and route of administration showed that the route of administration affects k(a), C(max), t(max) and F; significant differences were found in these parameters. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On the basis of these data, the recommended routes for the administration of levamisole in sheep are oral for gastro-intestinal nematodiasis and intramuscular for extragastric nematodiasis.