Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Metronidazole drug levels and DNA effects after one dose in cats
By Sekis, Ivana et al.·Published in Journal of feline medicine and surgery·2009·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Single-dose pharmacokinetics and genotoxicity of metronidazole in cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats received either an intravenous or oral dose of metronidazole, a medication often used to treat infections. Researchers found that the drug was absorbed into the cats' systems at varying rates, with some showing signs of potential genetic damage (genotoxicity) from the medication. This genetic damage was observed in blood samples taken during and after treatment but appeared to resolve within a week after stopping the medication. While metronidazole can be effective, pet owners should be aware of these potential side effects and discuss any concerns with their veterinarian.
People also search for: cat metronidazole side effects · cat infection treatment · metronidazole dosage for cats
Abstract
Single-dose pharmacokinetics and genotoxicity of metronidazole in cats were evaluated. Cats received either 5mg/kg metronidazole intravenously, or 20mg/kg metronidazole benzoate (12.4mg/kg metronidazole base) orally in a single dose. Serial plasma samples were collected and assayed for metronidazole using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Genotoxicity was assessed in vitro in feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and a feline T-cell lymphoma line incubated with metronidazole, and in vivo in PBMC collected before, during and 7 days after oral metronidazole, by use of the COMET assay. Systemic absorption of metronidazole was variable (mean=65+/-28%) with a peak of 8.84+/-5.4microg/ml at 3.6+/-2.9h. The terminal half-life was 5.34h from the intravenous dose and 5.16h from the oral dose. Systemic clearance was low (mean=91.57ml/h/kg [1.53ml/kg/min]), and the apparent volume of distribution (steady state) was 0.650+/-0.254l/kg. Genotoxicity was detected at all concentrations of metronidazole in feline PBMC and the T-cell lymphoma line in vitro. Genotoxicity was also observed in PBMC collected from cats after 7 days of oral metronidazole but resolved within 6 days of discontinuing metronidazole.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19155181/