• Julie Ross, Barbara L Dallap, Brett A Dolente, and Raymond W Sweeney.
• Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
• Am. J. Vet. Res. 2007 Sep 1;68(9):1016-21.

ObjectiveTo determine the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA), including the effects of EACA on coagulation and fibrinolysis in healthy horses.Animals6 adult horses.ProceduresEach horse received 3.5 mg of EACA/kg/min for 20 minutes, i.v. Plasma EACA concentration was measured before (time 0), during, and after infusion. Coagulation variables and plasma alpha(2)-antiplasmin activity were evaluated at time 0 and 4 hours after infusion; viscoelastic properties of clot formation were assessed at time 0 and 0.5, 1, and 4 hours after infusion. Plasma concentration versus time data were evaluated by use of a pharmacokinetic analysis computer program.ResultsDrug disposition was best described by a 2-compartment model with a rapid distribution phase, an elimination half-life of 2.3 hours, and mean residence time of 2.5 +/- 0.5 hours. Peak plasma EACA concentration was 462.9 +/- 70.1 microg/mL; after the end of the infusion, EACA concentration remained greater than the proposed therapeutic concentration (130 microg/mL) for 1 hour. Compared with findings at 0 minutes, EACA administration resulted in no significant change in plasma alpha(2)-antiplasmin activity at 1 or 4 hours after infusion. Thirty minutes after infusion, platelet function was significantly different from that at time 0 and 1 and 4 hours after infusion. The continuous rate infusion that would maintain proposed therapeutic plasma concentrations of EACA was predicted (ie, 3.5 mg/kg/min for 15 minutes, then 0.25 mg/kg/min).Conclusions And Clinical RelevanceResults suggest that EACA has potential clinical use in horses for which improved clot maintenance is desired.

27 keywords...

hide…