Pharmacokinetic Study of Florfenicol in Healthy and Vibriosis-infected Pseudosciaena crocea after Oral Administration

The pharmacokinetics of florfenicol were studied in healthy and vibriosis-infected large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) following administration of a single oral dose of $20mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ at $25{\pm}2^{\circ}C$. After oral administration, florfenicol levels in tissues (liver, kidney, muscle, serum, and skin) were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography. A two-compartment open model was used to describe the pharmacokinetics of florfenicol following oral administration. Compared to the healthy group, the absorption rate of vibriosis-infected fish significantly decreased, peak-time ($T_{max}$) delayed, maximum concentration ($C_{max}$) declined, total body clearance decreased, the elimination half-life ($T_{1/2{\beta}}$) was extended, and the area under the curve increased. These results indicate that a $20mg{\cdot}kg^{-1}$ oral dose of florfenicol administered once daily continuously for 4 or 5 days can be used for the treatment of Vibrio alginolyticus infection in large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea).