Pharmacokinetics of imidocarb dipropionate in white‐tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) after single intramuscular administration

This study was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of imidocarb, a carbanilide derivative, in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The pharmacokinetic properties of a single intramuscular (IM) dose of imidocarb were determined in 10 deer. A single IM injection of 3.0 mg/kg imidocarb dipropionate was administered, and blood samples were collected prior to, and up to 48 hr after imidocarb administration. Plasma imidocarb concentrations were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The disposition of plasma imidocarb was best characterized by a two-compartment open model. The mean +/- SE maximal imidocarb concentration in deer was 880.78 +/- 81.12 ng/ml at 38.63 +/- 5.30 min postinjection. The distribution phase had a half-life (t1/2alpha ) of 25.90 +/- 10.21 min, and plasma imidocarb concentration declined with a terminal elimination half-life (t1/2beta ) of 464.06 +/- 104.08 min (7.73 +/- 1.73 hr). Apparent volume of distribution based on the terminal phase (VZ /F) was 9.20 +/- 2.70 L/kg, and apparent total body clearance (Cl/F) was 15.97 +/- 1.28 ml min(-1) kg(-1) .