Pharmacokinetics of Ecofriendly Meloxicam in Healthy Goats

Diclofenac Sodium, a Non-steroidal anti-Inflammatory drug (NSAID) was banned for veterinary use in Pakistan, India and Nepal in 2005-06 due to its relay toxicity associated with catastrophic decline in the populations of vulture in South Asia. The main aim of the present research was to study pharmacokinetics of meloxicam in goats under local conditions. Meloxicam is another NSAID, reported as a safe alternate to diclofenac. It is a preferential cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibiter with higher therapeutic index as compared to diclofenac, indomethacin and piroxicam. Eight healthy goats investigated, were administered meloxicam 0.6 mg.kgb.wt, as intravenous bolus, into the jugular vein. Blood samples(5mL) were collected before medication and then up to 96 hours post medication. Plasma concentrations of meloxicam were measured in triplicate by HPLC method developed and validated at laboratories of UVAS and Lahore College for Women University, Lahore Pakistan. The plasma concentration versus time profile was prepared. Mean( + SEM) values of pharmacokinetic parameters viz area under curve(AUC); steady state volume of distribution(VDss) , half-life(t1/2); mean residence time(MRT) and clearance(Cl) were 22.81±1.25 μg.h/mL, 0.266±0.007 L/kg, 7.34±0.31 h, 7.34±0.46 h and 0.026±0.002 L/h/kg respectively. These values were comparable to value reported for goats. However, these pharmacokinetic parameters were significantly different when compared with other species including livestock. The pharmacokinetic parameters were put in different equations for calculations of dose. In conclusion interspecies variations exist in pharmacokinetics of meloxicam. Furthermore, a single IV injection of meloxicam @ dose of 0.6 mg.kgb.wt may safely be used therapeutically in goats.