The metabolism of sulphapyridine in the rabbit

Abstract

Of the sulfapyridine administered to the rabbit at dose levels of 1.0, 0.5, 0.25 and 0.1 g./kg., the avg. amts. accounted for in the urine are 51.2, 66.7, 74.6 and 87.7% resp.. and corresponding avg. amts. acetylated are 20.2, 33.9, 41.4 and 60.3%. The % of dose unacetylated was independent of dose level, corresponding avgs. were 31.0, 32.8, 33.2 and 27.4%. At dose levels of 0.5 and 1.0 g./kg. 17-25% of sulfapyridine is oxidized and conjugated with glu-curonic acid. Sulfate plays little or no part in detoxification under these conditions. The fate of the unaccounted portion is discussed. Injn. expts. suggest incomplete absorption, but only small amts. could be accounted for in feces. An unidentified hydroxy- derivative was isolated from the urine.