Oral absorption and bioavailability of fenbendazole in the dog and the effect of concurrent ingestion of food

Abstract

Fenbendazole was administered orally without food to six beagle dogs at 2.5, 5.0, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg of body weight. Increasing the dose rate did not significantly increase the amount of fenbendazole absorbed. In a separate study fenbendazole was administered to the same six beagle dogs at a dose rate of 20 mg/kg of bodyweight in food with high, medium and low fat content. The food provided 1.52, 0.70 or 0.34 g of fat per kg of body weight. Administration of fenbendazole in food with different fat contents did not affect its relative bioavailability. Administration of fenbendazole at a dose rate of 20 mg/kg in food, irrespective of fat content, did however significantly increase its bioavailability when compared to administration of the same dose as a bolus on an empty stomach.