Comparative Veterinary Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism

Abstract

Foreword Pharmacokinetics involves all aspects of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs that are necessary for tracking the fate of a drug within the body and hold significance in drug therapy. The aim of this book is to provide a detailed presentation of both conventional and the latest scientific knowledge in veterinary pharmacokinetics. When applying drugs, it is essential to consider all factors that may influence their efficacy and safety. Animal species differ significantly in terms of anatomy and physiology. Additionally, pharmacokinetic properties of drugs can be significantly affected by breed, individual genetic differences, sex, age, health status and diet. This book explores the effects of these and other factors on pharmacokinetic processes. Understanding these factors enables more effective and safer use of medications. Another important goal of presenting this knowledge is to promote the production of residue-free animal-derived food products and to reduce the development of antimicrobial resistance through even more professional drug use. Possessing appropriate and detailed pharmacokinetic knowledge also enhances the efficiency of experimental research, which, beyond achieving more accurate results, is also of paramount importance from an animal welfare perspective. This book will be valuable to professionals working in research or practical fields, both within Hungary and in Hungarian-speaking communities abroad, such as veterinarians, animal breeders, research physicians, pharmacists, and biologists. Furthermore, it provides assistance to university lecturers and supports the preparation of university students (involved in veterinary medicine, pharmacy or biology). The author of this book has been engaged in teaching and research activities in this field for over three and a half decades. He is also the author and co-editor of several related academic articles, university lecture notes, and professional books. In the field of veterinary pharmacokinetics, he has accumulated significant knowledge derived from his own research and literature sources, which he aims to publish in this book.