Pharmacokinetics of levamisole in the red‐eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Abstract

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of levamisole were determined in red‐eared slider turtles after single intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC) administration. Nine turtles received levamisole (10 mg/kg) by each route in a three‐way crossover design with a washout period of 30 days. Blood samples were collected at time 0 (pretreatment), and at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 hr after drug administration. Plasma levamisole concentrations were determined by a high‐performance liquid chromatography assay. Data were analyzed by noncompartmental methods. The mean elimination half‐life was 5.00, 7.88, and 9.43 hr for IV, IM, and SC routes, respectively. The total clearance and volume of distribution at steady state for the IV route were 0.14 L hr−1 kg−1 and 0.81 L/kg, respectively. For the IM and SC routes, the peak plasma concentration was 9.63 and 10.51 μg/ml, respectively, with 0.5 hr of Tmax. The bioavailability was 93.03 and 115.25% for the IM and SC routes, respectively. The IM and SC route of levamisole, which showed the high bioavailability and long t1/2ʎz, can be recommended as an effective way for treating nematodes in turtles.

Pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacies of fenbendazole in comparison with levamisole in helminth‐infected Caspian turtles (Mauremys caspica)

“…For LVM at the same dose and route of administration to red‐eared slider turtles, almost the same values were reported: C max , T max , and t 1/2ʎz values of 10.51 μg/mL, 0.5, and 9.43 h (Corum et al, 2019). Further, Corum et al (2019) also reported a bioavailability of over 100%. Surprisingly, the s.c. bioavailability was higher than 100% for both drugs investigated in the present study.…”

“…This could be due to a flip-flop effect (Toutain & Bousquet-mélou, 2004b). For LVM at the same dose and route of administration to red-eared slider turtles, almost the same values were reported: C max , T max , and t 1/2ʎz values of 10.51 μg/mL, 0.5, and 9.43 h (Corum et al, 2019).…”

“…However, some studies have reported severe side effects for FNB in chelonians, including Herman's tortoise, and there are several reports of toxicity and side effects of FNB in other marine species (Doss et al, 2018; Neiffer et al, 2005; Shirakashi et al, 2021). Conversely, LVM appears safe, with no adverse effects reported after administration in red‐eared slider turtles (Corum et al, 2019) and some marine animals including common carp (Kolarova et al, 2022) and juvenile pacu (Pahor‐Filho et al, 2017).…”

“…Levamisole (LVM) is another anthelmintic option for treatment of nematodes in turtles. A recent study (Corum et al, 2019) on red‐eared slider turtles reported the pharmacokinetics of LVM after 10 mg/kg intravenous (i.v. ), intramuscular (i.m.…”

Pharmacokinetics of levamisole after intramuscular and oral administrations to Caspian salmon (Salmo trutta caspius)

“…Another factor that may have led to this difference is the diverse collection schedule up to 12 hr in Zanon et al (2012) study and the diverse pharmacokinetic approach (two‐compartment vs. noncompartmental [present study]). Differently, red‐eared slider turtles after levamisole IM administration at the dose of 10 mg/kg displayed a t 1/2 λz of 7.88 hr (Corum et al, 2019). The difference might be due to the slow drug metabolism, and cardiac output reported in reptiles (Krosniunas & Hicks, 2003; Stamper et al, 2003).…”