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6952412 
Journal Article 
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of minocycline hydrochloride in horses 
Nagata, S; Yamashita, S; Kurosawa, M; Kuwajima, M; Hobo, S; Katayama, Y; Anzai, T 
2010 
Yes 
American Journal of Veterinary Research
ISSN: 0002-9645
EISSN: 1943-5681 
71 
9 
1062-1066 
English 
20807146 
OBJECTIVE: To determine the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of minocycline in horses.

ANIMALS: 5 healthy Thoroughbred mares for the pharmacokinetic experiment and 6 healthy Thoroughbred mares for the tissue distribution experiment.

PROCEDURES: Each mare was given 2.2 mg of minocycline hydrochloride/kg, IV. Blood samples were collected once before minocycline administration (0 hours) and 10 times within 48 hours after administration in the pharmacokinetics study, and 24 tissue samples were obtained at 0.5 and 3 hours in the distribution study.

RESULTS: No adverse effects were observed in any of the mares after minocycline administration. The mean+/-SD elimination half-life was 7.70+/-1.91 hours. The total body clearance was 0.16+/-0.04 L/h/kg, and the volume of distribution at steady state was 1.53+/-0.09 L/kg. The percentage of plasma protein binding was 68.1+/-2.6%. Plasma concentration of free minocycline was 0.12 microg/mL at 12 hours. Minocycline was not detected in brain tissue, CSF or aqueous humor at 0.5 hours; however, it was found in all tissues, except in the aqueous humor, at 3 hours.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clearance of minocycline in healthy mares was greater than that reported for humans. For effective treatment of infections with common equine pathogens, it will be necessary to administer minocycline at a dosage of 2.2 mg/kg, IV, every 12 hours. This drug could be useful for infections in many tissues, including the CNS. The pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution data should aid in the appropriate use of minocycline in horses.