Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How food affects D-penicillamine absorption in dogs
By Langlois, D K et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2013·Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of D-penicillamine in fasted and nonfasted dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Nine dogs were given a medication called D-penicillamine, which is used to treat liver disease caused by excess copper. Some of the dogs vomited when they took the medication on an empty stomach, but it was found that giving the drug with food significantly lowered the amount of medication that entered their bloodstream. This means that feeding dogs while giving this treatment could make it less effective, potentially leading to longer treatment times and higher costs. It's important for pet owners to discuss the best way to administer this medication with their veterinarian.
People also search for: dog copper liver disease treatment · D-penicillamine for dogs · why is my dog vomiting after medication
Abstract
BACKGROUND: D-Penicillamine is the most commonly used copper-chelating agent in the treatment of copper-associated hepatitis in dogs. Response to therapy can be variable, and there is a lack of pharmacokinetic information available for dogs. Coadministering the drug with food to alleviate vomiting has been recommended for dogs, which contradicts recommendations for drug administration to humans. HYPOTHESIS: Coadministration of d-penicillamine with food decreases relative bioavailability and maximum plasma drug concentrations (C(max)) in dogs. ANIMALS: Nine purpose-bred dogs with a median body weight of 17.0 kg. METHODS: Dogs received D-penicillamine (12.5 mg/kg PO) fasted and with food in a randomized, crossover design. Blood samples were collected before and 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after dosing. Total d-penicillamine concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated for each dog. RESULTS: Two fasted dogs (22%) vomited after receiving d-penicillamine. Mean C(max) ± standard deviation (SD) was 8.7 ± 3.1 μg/mL (fasted) and 1.9 ± 1.6 μg/mL (fed). Mean area under the plasma concentration curve ± SD was 16.9 ± 5.9 μg/mL·h (fasted) and 4.9 ± 3.4 μg/mL·h (fed). There were significant reductions in relative bioavailability and C(max) in fed dogs (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Coadministration of d-penicillamine with food significantly decreases plasma drug concentrations in dogs. Decreased drug exposure could result in decreased copper chelation efficacy, prolonged therapy, additional cost, and greater disease morbidity. Administration of d-penicillamine with food cannot be categorically recommended without additional studies.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23875792/