Efficacy and pharmacokinetics of pantoprazole in alpacas.
BACKGROUND
Despite frequent clinical use, information about the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of pantoprazole in camelids is not available.


OBJECTIVE
To examine the pharmacokinetics of both IV and SC pantoprazole and to determine whether pantoprazole administration would increase 3rd compartment pH in alpacas.


METHODS
Six healthy adult alpacas.


METHODS
Alpacas were fitted with a 3rd compartment cannula for measuring gastric pH. After recovery, alpacas received 1 mg/kg pantoprazole IV, q24h for 3 days or 2 mg/kg SC q24h for 3 days. Alpacas received both IV and SC pantoprazole, with a minimum of 3 weeks between treatments. Third compartment pH was recorded and plasma samples were taken for pharmacokinetic analysis.


RESULTS
Pantoprazole induced a slow but sustained increase in 3rd compartment pH when given by both the IV and SC routes. Third compartment pH was significantly increased as compared with baseline values (1.81+/-0.7; mean+/-SD) at 24 (2.47+/-0.8), 48 (3.53+/-1.0) and 72 hours (4.03+/-1.3) after daily IV administration of pantoprazole. Third compartment pH increased from 1.73+/-0.6 at baseline to 3.05+/-1.1, 4.02+/-1.4, and 3.61+/-1.6 at 24, 48, and 72 hours after SC administration, respectively. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that pantoprazole had a short elimination half-life (0.47+0.06 h) and a high clearance rate (12.2+/-2.9 mL/kg/min) after both IV and SC administration.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results of this study, pantoprazole represents a safe and effective drug for increasing 3rd compartment pH in camelids. Either IV or SC administration is likely to be an effective treatment for gastric ulcers.
Smith
G W
GW
Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA. geoffrey_smith@ncsu.edu
Davis
J L
JL
Smith
S M
SM
Gerard
M P
MP
Campbell
N B
NB
Foster
D M
DM
D053799:2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002161:Camelids, New World; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D000077402:Pantoprazole; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*
D053799:2-Pyridinylmethylsulfinylbenzimidazoles; D000897:Anti-Ulcer Agents; D000077402:Pantoprazole