Abstract
The disposition kinetics of rifampicin was. investigated in seven dogs. An oral dose of 300 mg rifampicin (150 mg x 2 capsules) was given to each animal. The blood analyses were performed for drug concentration and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The results revealed.-, that absorption half-life was 2.1 + 0.27 h_?nd absorption rate constant was 0.36 + 0.05 h . Elimination half-life was 36.21 + 1.76 h and elimination rate constant was 0.020 1 -- + 0.001 h . Volume of distribution was 33.21 + 4.50 1.kg and total body clearance %gas 0.68 + 0.11 1.h-1. It was concluded that orally administered rifampicin was rapidly and totally absorbed and the parameters also reflected longer duration of action and persistence of the drug in the body of the dogs.
INTRODUCTION
Many antibacterial drugs are currently produced in commercial quantities and are used for numerous medical applications. Rifampicin is one of the new chemotherapeutic agents. It is synthetically derived from Nocardia mediltterranei (previously Streptomyces). Rifampicin has a broad spectrum activity. It is highly active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 3ly.p2Iterium bovis, Mycobacterium africanum and certain atypical mycobacteria as well as against many gram positive and gram negative species. Mycobacteria are particulary susceptible to rifampicin and this has led to an extensive use of this compound in the treatment of tuberculosis.
