PHARMACOKINETICS OF LEVAMISOLE IN SHEEP AFTER INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION

The pharmacokinetics of levamisole at doses of 5, 7.5 and 10 mg/kg wer e determined after its intravenous administration to eighteen healthy Merino sheep. Using compartmental analysis, the disposition of the dru g best fitted a two-compartmental open model. The mean values for the compartmental volume of distribution at steady state (V-ss) were 2.034 +/- 0.231, 2.347 +/- 0.720 and 2.001 +/- 0.367 l/kg for each dose, re spectively, and values obtained using the statistical moment theory we re 2.141 +/- 0.269, 2.390 +/- 0.536 and 2.140 +/- 0.345 l/kg for each dose, respectively. There were no dose-related differences (one-way AN OVA) in the constants describing distribution and elimination phases ( alpha and beta) or V-ss, but significant differences were detected in the total body clearance (Cl) and the area under the plasma concentrat ion-time curve (AUC). After non-compartmental analysis, no significant differences were found when the parameters lambda (the linear termina l slope) and V-ss were compared, but significant differences were dete cted in Cl and AUC. There were no significant differences between the values obtained using the compartmental and noncompartmental analysis when lambda-beta, Cl, V-ss and AUC were compared.