Pharmacokinetics of Huperzine A in Dogs Following Single Intravenous and Oral Administrations

Abstract

The pharmacokinetics of huperzine A in dogs after single intravenous and oral administrations was investigated. Concentrations of huperzine A were determined by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-compartmental methods. After single intravenous administration, the C_max, T_1/2, AUC_0-t, AUC_0-∞, CL, V_d and V_ss were 5.55 ± 1.61 μg/L, 5.02 ± 0.31 h, 16.04 ± 5.24, 16.49 ± 5.29 μg·h/L, 0.66 ± 0.19 L/h/kg, 4.76 ± 1.46, and 3.93 ± 1.54 L/kg, respectively. After single oral administration, the C_max, T_max, T_1/2, AUC_0-t, AUC_0-∞ and oral bioavailability were 2.60 ± 0.60 μg/L, 1.25 ± 0.50 h, 5.71 ± 2.25 h, 12.90 ± 3.19, 13.78 ± 3.24 μg·h/L, and 94.4 ± 36.5 %, respectively. In conclusion, huperzine A had a rapid and nearly complete oral absorption and was extensively distributed into tissues after drug administration in dogs.

Key words

Lycopodiaceae - Huperzia serrata - lycopodium alkaloid - huperzine A - pharmacokinetics - bioavailability

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