PHARMACOKINETICS OF ARTEETHER IN DOG

A pharmacokinetic study has been conducted in six beagle dogs after i. m. administration of 25 mg/kg of arteether, a qinghaosu (artemisinin) derivative of high anti-malarial activity. Arteether plasma concentrat ions were measured during a 24 h period using HPLC with an electrochem ical detector in the reductive mode. The pharmacokinetic parameters we re established using an open two-compartment model. Results showed a r elatively rapid absorption phase: T1/2ka was 0.300 +/- 0.096 h and a m ean elimination half-life of 27.95 +/- 11.93 h. C(max) was 110 +/- 16 ng/ml, Cl(tot)/F was 1.69 +/- 0.34 ml/min and AUC was 2797 +/- 476 ng/ ml/h.