Single-dose pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime and fluconazole during concurrent clinical use in cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii)

Abstract

Single-dose pharmacokinetics of intramuscularly administered ceftazidime (22 mg/kg) and subcutaneously administered fluconazole (21 mg/kg) were investigated during concurrent clinical use in naturally cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii). Maximum mean concentration for ceftazidime was 61.31 μg/mL, and time of maximum concentration was 1.56 h postinjection. Maximum mean concentration for fluconazole was 26.16 μg/mL, and time of maximum concentration was 0.79 h postinjection. Results indicate that the ceftazidime dose and dosing interval used in this study are likely to be effective in treating susceptible strains of bacteria in Kemp's ridley turtles. However, the fluconazole dose and dosing interval are not likely to be effective against filamentous fungal pathogens that are often involved in marine turtle fungal infections.