Pharmacokinetics of N-acetylcysteine after oral and intravenous administration to healthy cats

Jennifer L. Buur College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766.

Search for other papers by Jennifer L. Buur in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM, PhD
,
Pedro P. V. P. Diniz College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766.

Search for other papers by Pedro P. V. P. Diniz in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM, PhD
,
Kursten V. Roderick Angell Animal Medical Center, 350 S Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130.

Search for other papers by Kursten V. Roderick in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM
,
Butch KuKanich Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506.

Search for other papers by Butch KuKanich in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 DVM
, and
John H. Tegzes College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766.

Search for other papers by John H. Tegzes in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
 VMD

Abstract

Objective—To describe the pharmacokinetics of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in healthy cats after oral and IV administration.

Animals—6 healthy cats.

Procedures—In a crossover study, cats received NAC (100 mg/kg) via IV and oral routes of administration; there was a 4-week washout period between treatments. Plasma samples were obtained at 0, 5, 15, 30, and 45 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after administration, and NAC concentrations were quantified by use of a validated high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry protocol. Data were analyzed via compartmental and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis.

Results—Pharmacokinetics for both routes of administration were best described by a 2-compartment model. Mean ± SD elimination half-life was 0.78 ± 0.16 hours and 1.34 ± 0.24 hours for the IV and oral routes of administration, respectively. Mean bioavailability of NAC after oral administration was 19.3 ± 4.4%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The pharmacokinetics of NAC for this small population of healthy cats differed from values reported for humans. Assuming there would be similar pharmacokinetics in diseased cats, dose extrapolations from human medicine may result in underdosing of NAC in cats with acute disease. Despite the low bioavailability, plasma concentrations of NAC after oral administration at 100 mg/kg may be effective in the treatment of chronic diseases.

Abstract

Objective—To describe the pharmacokinetics of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in healthy cats after oral and IV administration.

Animals—6 healthy cats.

Procedures—In a crossover study, cats received NAC (100 mg/kg) via IV and oral routes of administration; there was a 4-week washout period between treatments. Plasma samples were obtained at 0, 5, 15, 30, and 45 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after administration, and NAC concentrations were quantified by use of a validated high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry protocol. Data were analyzed via compartmental and noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis.

Results—Pharmacokinetics for both routes of administration were best described by a 2-compartment model. Mean ± SD elimination half-life was 0.78 ± 0.16 hours and 1.34 ± 0.24 hours for the IV and oral routes of administration, respectively. Mean bioavailability of NAC after oral administration was 19.3 ± 4.4%.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The pharmacokinetics of NAC for this small population of healthy cats differed from values reported for humans. Assuming there would be similar pharmacokinetics in diseased cats, dose extrapolations from human medicine may result in underdosing of NAC in cats with acute disease. Despite the low bioavailability, plasma concentrations of NAC after oral administration at 100 mg/kg may be effective in the treatment of chronic diseases.

All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 623 0 0
Full Text Views 7106 4893 570
PDF Downloads 4553 2741 305
Advertisement