Update on pharmacokinetic profile of marbofloxacin in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) after intravenous and intramuscular injection

Antibiotic therapy represents an essential aid in the treatment of sick or injured loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta,). Marbofloxacin is commonly used in loggerhead sea turtles at 2 mgjkg similarly to other species. The aim of the study was to increase our understanding of marbofloxacin pharmacokinetic in Caretta caretta. Six healthy turtles were divided in two groups: the IV group (subjects A, B, D) and the IM group (subjects C, H, F). Each animal received a single dose of MarbocyP 2%, corresponding to 2 mg/ kg of marbofloxacin. The drug was administered via intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) routes. After the administration, 13 blood samples were collected at different times:for IVgroup at 0, 10, 20, 30, 45 minutes, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 hours and 1, 2, 2,5 days; for IM group at 0, 30 minutes, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 hours, and 1, 2, 2,5 days. A HPLC-UV (k 295 nm) analytical method was used to measure marbofloxacin concentrations in blood. The pharmacokinetic behavior of the drug was best described by a non-compartmental model The plasma concentration profiles of marbofloxacin were similar for the two administration routes and the residual concentrations at 1 day were almost identical. The molecule was detected up to 2,5 days. The apparent volume of distribution was > 1 L/kg. The IM route resulted in a rapid and complete marbofloxacin absorption (F = 131, 43 ±12,06%).