Pharmacokinetics of Ketoprofen in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to document the pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen following 3 mg/kg intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV) injections in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) and 8 mg/kg intramuscular (IM) injection in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus) . Plasma was collected laterally from the tail vein for drug analysis at various time intervals up to 72 h following the injection of ketoprofen. In trout, area under the curve (AUC) levels were 115.24 μg hr/mL for IM and 135.69 μg hr/mL for IV groups with a half-life of 4.40 and 3.91 h, respectively. In both trout and tilapia, there were detectable ketoprofen concentrations in most fish for 24 h post-injection. In tilapia, there was a large difference between the R- and S-enantiomers, suggesting either chiral inversion from R- to S-enantiomer or more rapid clearance of the R-enantiomer. AUC values of the S- and R-enantiomers were 510 and 194 μg hr/Ml, respectively, corresponding to a faster clearance for the R-enantiomer. This study shows that there were very high plasma concentrations of ketoprofen in trout and tilapia with no adverse effects observed. Future studies on the efficacy, frequency of dosing, analgesia, adverse effects, and route of administration are warranted.

Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability of Carprofen in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Broodstock

“…The t 1/2λz of carprofen in different administration groups ranged from 30.66 to 46.11 h, which was longer than that reported in Nile tilapia for meloxicam (1.36–1.80 h) [ 23 ] and in rainbow trout for ketoprofen (3.91–4.40 h) [ 2 ]. Minimal handling is required for medical treatment in fish to minimize the risk of stress, trauma, and infection [ 23 ].…”

“…No adverse effects have been observed in rainbow trout broodstock after intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and oral administration of carprofen at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. No side effects have been reported in clinical studies with other NSAIDs such as ketoprofen and meloxicam in different fish species [ 1 , 2 ]. The use of carprofen is recommended at a dose range of 1–5 mg/kg in fish [ 1 , 3 ].…”

“…In addition, unlike other pharmacokinetic fish studies [ 34 , 35 , 36 ], repeated blood samples in this study were obtained. A similar design was used in pharmacokinetic studies of meloxicam and ketoprofen in fish [ 2 , 23 ]. Repeated handling of animals was quickly done without trauma by experienced personnel.…”

“…Analgesic drugs are indispensable for pain management in mammals; however, their use in fish remains limited [ 1 ]. In recent years, with the increasing awareness of animal welfare, the management of pain and inflammation in fish under human care has been emphasized [ 2 ]. Although it is believed that there is no pain perception in fish, studies have shown that they have nociceptors responsible for transmission of painful stimulation, similar to mammals [ 3 ].…”

“…Although the therapeutic effects of NSAIDs in fish are mostly investigated [ 1 ], pharmacokinetic studies are limited. Pharmacokinetic studies of ketoprofen in rainbow trout, ketoprofen, and meloxicam in Nile tilapia have reported short elimination half-life [ 2 , 23 ]. Studies in mammals and avian species have determined that the half-life of carprofen is much longer than those of meloxicam and ketoprofen [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”