Pharmacokinetics of lincomycin following single intravenous administration in buffalo calves

Lincomycin 10 mg kg−1, IV in buffalo calves followed two-compartment open model with high distribution rate constant α (11.2 ± 0.42 h−1) and K12/K21 ratio (4.40 ± 0.10). Distribution half-life was 0.06 ± 0.01 h and AUC was 41.6 ± 1.73 μg mL−1 h. Large Vdarea (1.15 ± 0.03 L kg−1) indicated good distribution of lincomycin in various body fluids and tissues. Peak plasma level of lincomycin (71.8 ± 1.83 μg mL−1) was observed at 1 min as expected by IV route. The elimination half-life and MRT of lincomycin were short (3.30 ± 0.08 and 4.32 ± 0.11 h, respectively). Lincomycin 10 mg kg−1 IV at 12-h interval would be sufficient to maintain T > MIC above 60 % for bacteria with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values ≤1.6 μg mL−1. Favourable pharmacokinetic profile in buffalo calves and a convenient dosing interval suggest that lincomycin may be an appropriate antibacterial in buffalo species for gram-positive and anaerobic bacterial pathogens susceptible to lincomycin.