FLUCONAZOLE IN CATS - PHARMACOKINETICS FOLLOWING INTRAVENOUS AND ORAL-ADMINISTRATION AND PENETRATION INTO CEREBROSPINAL-FLUID, AQUEOUS-HUMOR AND PULMONARY EPITHELIAL LINING FLUID

The pharmacokinetics of fluconazole following intravenous (i.v.) and o ral (p.o.) administration and the penetration of fluconazole into cere brospinal fluid, aqueous humour and epithelial lining fluid (ELF) of t he lungs were evaluated in adult male cats. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from serum concentration-time data obtained following i.v. and p.o. administration of 50 mg per cat using a cross-over stud y design. Fluconazole concentrations were measured using a high-perfor mance liquid chromatography assay. Mean total body clearance of flucon azole was 37.7 mL/h.kg, mean volume of distribution at steady state wa s 1.14 L/kg, mean residence time was 31.0 h and mean half-life of elim ination was 25 h as derived by non-compartmental analysis of data. Abs orption was complete. Mean ratios of fluid:serum fluconazole concentra tions following administration of 50 mg fluconazole per day for 8 days were as follows: cerebrospinal fluid, 0.88; aqueous humour 0.79; ELF, 1.20. Fluconazole concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid, aqueous humo ur and ELF exceeded reported minimum inhibitory concentrations of fluc onazole far pathogenic fungi. Results of this study suggest fluconazol e can effectively be administered to cats at 50 mg per cat per day.