Effects of ambient temperature on the half-life and dosage regimen of amikacin in the gopher snake

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1985 Dec 1;187(11):1134-6.

Abstract

Eight gopher snakes were given amikacin (5 mg/kg of body weight IM) and were housed at ambient temperatures of 25 C or 37 C. Snakes housed at 37 C had a larger volume of distribution, and a more rapid body clearance of amikacin while the apparent half-life was not changed significantly. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of amikacin against isolated snake pathogens were determined at both temperatures. Bacteria were twice as sensitive at 37 C than at 25 C. The data indicated that amikacin should be given IM at a dose schedule of 5 mg/kg (loading dose) followed by 2.5 mg/kg every 72 hours, and that snakes should be housed near the high end of their preferred optimum ambient temperature during treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amikacin / blood*
  • Animals
  • Body Temperature
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Half-Life
  • Kanamycin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Male
  • Metabolic Clearance Rate
  • Snakes / blood*
  • Temperature*

Substances

  • Kanamycin
  • Amikacin