Pharmacokinetics of ketorolac tromethamine in horses after intravenous, intramuscular, and oral single-dose administration.

The study investigates the pharmacokinetics, or how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted, of ketorolac tromethamine (KT) in horses. The researchers administered a single dose of KT to horses via intravenous, intramuscular, and oral methods, then analyzed plasma samples to determine KT concentration, absorption rate, and any potential adverse effects.

Study Design and Methodology

• The experiment involved nine healthy adult horses. Each horse was subjected to a single 0.5-mg/kg dose of KT. This dosage was administered via three different routes: intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.), and oral (p.o.). The different routes were chosen to better understand how different modes of administration might affect the drug’s pharmacokinetic properties.
• After the administration of KT, plasma was collected from the horses over a period of 48 hours for analysis.
• The plasma samples were then analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) for KT concentration. This method is extremely sensitive and allows for precise quantification of the drug present in the blood sample.

Findings and Conclusions

• The analysis showed that KT was rapidly absorbed after both i.m. and p.o. administration. This suggests that the drug can be absorbed into the system and begin working quite quickly, which would be beneficial for pain and inflammation relief.
• Mean bioavailability, a measure of how much of the drug is available to exert its therapeutic effects, was found to be 71% and 57% for i.m. and p.o. administration, respectively. This information is crucial because it provides insights into the drug’s effectiveness and the speed at which it can produce the desired effects.
• No adverse effects were observed in the horses during the study, indicating the potential safety of KT administration in equine subjects.
• Based on the observed pharmacokinetic properties, the study concludes that more research is necessary to explore KT’s potential as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug for horses.