Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of pantoprazole in clinically normal neonatal foals.

This research article looks into the effects and potential application of pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), in the treatment of acid-related ulcers in neonatal foals, when administered either intravenously (i.v.) or directly into the stomach (intragastic). The results showed that both methods of administrating pantoprazole led to a significant increase in intragastric pH (indicating reduced acidity), suggesting that the i.v. administration can be a viable alternative treatment method for foals that are unable to tolerate oral medication, such as those with pyloric outflow obstruction.

Research Objective

• The main objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics (the movement of drugs within the body) and pharmacodynamics (the biochemical effects of drugs) of pantoprazole in neonatal foals when administered either i.v. or intragastrically. This aimed at exploring potential alternative treatment methods for acid-related ulceration in foals that cannot tolerate oral medication.

Methodology

• Seven healthy foals aged 6-12 days at the start of the study were used as the sample. Various treatments were administered including no drug administration, i.v. pantoprazole (1.5 mg/kg bwt), and intragastric pantoprazole (1.5 mg/kg bwt).
• Intragastric pH was recorded for 24 hours after drug administration to evaluate the pharmacodynamics of pantoprazole.
• Plasma pantoprazole concentrations were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

• Pantoprazole was detectable in plasma concentrations within 5 minutes following both i.v. and intragastric administration.
• The bioavailability of intragastric-administered pantoprazole was found to be 41%, meaning 41% of the administered drug was able to have an active effect in the body.
• There was a significant increase in the mean hourly pH compared to untreated foals from 2-24 hours after both the i.v. and intragastric administration of pantoprazole. This suggests a reduction in gastric acidity, providing a measure of the effect of pantoprazole in the body.

Conclusion

• Both i.v. and intragastric administration of pantoprazole resulted in a significant, prolonged increase in intragastric pH, indicating its potential in managing acid-related ulceration in foals.
• The i.v. formulation of pantoprazole could be a clinically useful alternative means of acid suppression in foals that are unable to tolerate oral medication, such as those suffering from pyloric outflow obstruction, a condition that blocks or restricts the passage of stomach contents into the duodenum.