Cefotaxime is a third-generation broad-spectrum cephalosporin acting on a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In this work, the pharmacokinetics of cefotaxime were determined in dromedary camel calves by single intravenous injection of 10 mg/kg b.w. Cefotaxime levels were estimated by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Cefotaxime pharmacokinetics in camel calves obeyed three-compartment kinetics model. There was a central compartment and two peripheral, one shallow and one deep compartment. The shallow compartment equilibrates very rapidly with distribution half-life (t1/2α) of 0.6 min, while the deep compartment has large distribution half-life (t1/2β) of 42 min indicating slower uptake of cefotaxime. The elimination rate constant (γ = 0.04 h-1) and elimination half-life (t1/2 γ) = 15.46 h indicating slow elimination. In comparison with other animals, cefotaxime pharmacokinetics in camel calves showed potential wide distribution in multi-compartment, lower elimination constant, lower clearance and higher volume of distribution at steady state. This indicates substantial differences in cefotaxime pharmacokinetics in camel calves with a very characteristic ultra-rapid distribution into three-compartment and slow elimination.
Keywords: Camel; Cefotaxime; Cephalosporins; Pharmacokinetics; UPLC-MS/MS.