Disposition of flunixin meglumine injectable preparation administered orally to healthy horses.

The research article is about an experiment conducted on six healthy adult horses to understand the absorption and effectiveness of flunixin meglumine, a commonly used equine painkiller, when given orally instead of through an injection.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

• The primary objective of this research was to determine if an injectable preparation of flunixin meglumine, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug often used as a pain reliever in horses, could be given orally with similar effectiveness.
• A study was conducted on six healthy adult horses, using a cross-over design where both, the oral and intravenous administration methods were tested and compared.
• The dosage administered was 1.1 mg/kg which is considered a therapeutic dose.

Findings of the Study

• After administration of the drug, it was detected in the blood plasma of the horses within 15 minutes.
• The peak plasma concentrations – defined as the highest concentration of the drug observed in the blood plasma – were reached between 45 to 60 minutes following oral administration. This indicates that the drug was rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream when given orally.
• The average rate of absorption, or bioavailability of the oral drug, was found to be 71.9%, indicating that a significant proportion of the orally administered drug was effectively absorbed.
• The study further noted an absorption half-life of about 0.76 hours. Half-life is the time taken for the concentration of the drug in the body to reduce to half its original value; a shorter half-life can indicate quicker absorption.
• The elimination half-life after oral administration – the time taken for the body to eliminate half of the drug – was about 2.4 hours.

Conclusion of the Study

• The study concluded that the injectable preparation of flunixin meglumine was suitable for oral administration in horses. This is based on its quick absorption into the bloodstream, and short absorption and elimination half-lives.