Fig. 2
Plasma concentration–time curves following subcutaneous (s.c.) injection and during drinking water (d.w.) intake of meloxicam (MEL). (a) Plasma concentration–time curve following single s.c. injection of 5 mg/kg MEL. Individual data points (n = 6, 3 male and 3 female per time point) and mean of all animals per time point (black line) are presented. Assumed range of therapeutic plasma concentration (grey shaded area between 390 and 911 ng/mL) is displayed according to previously published data23,24. (b) Plasma concentration–time curve during oral intake of MEL (intended dose: 20 mg/kg/24 h) via d.w. over 5 consecutive days. Individual data points (n = 6, 3 male and 3 female per time point) and mean of all animals per time point (black line) are presented. Assumed range of clinical efficacy (horizontal grey shaded area between 390 and 911 ng/mL) is displayed according to previously published data23,24. Vertical yellow and gray background shading indicates the approximate duration of the light and dark phases. (c) MEL dose intake (mg/kg/24 h; calculated by consumption and concentration of MEL-medicated d.w.) is displayed for 24 h intervals after start of oral treatment (n = 7 cages per sex, 3 mice/cage). Target dose is indicated by dotted line.
