How do you prepare a Sumamed suspension for a rat? - briefly
Dissolve the calculated amount of Sumamed (azithromycin) in sterile water or a compatible suspending agent to obtain a uniform suspension at the desired concentration, mixing thoroughly until no particles remain. Administer the suspension orally at 10 mg kg⁻¹, adjusting the volume to roughly 1 mL per 100 g of animal weight.
How do you prepare a Sumamed suspension for a rat? - in detail
To create a reliable Sumamed (azithromycin) suspension for a laboratory rat, follow a strict aseptic protocol and use calibrated equipment.
First, gather all materials: Sumamed tablets or powder, sterile distilled water, a calibrated balance, a vortex mixer, a sterile glass beaker, a 10 mL graduated cylinder, a sterile syringe with 0.5 mL needle, and labeled amber vials for storage. Verify the concentration required for the study, typically expressed in mg kg⁻¹.
Second, calculate the required dose. For a target of X mg kg⁻¹ and an average rat weight of Y g, compute the total drug amount:
[
\text{dose (mg)} = \frac{X \times Y}{1000}
]
Round to the nearest milligram.
Third, prepare the suspension:
- Weigh the exact amount of Sumamed powder or crushed tablets using the balance; record the weight.
- Transfer the powder to the sterile beaker.
- Add a small volume of sterile distilled water (approximately 2 mL) to wet the powder, then vortex for 30 seconds to create a uniform slurry.
- Incrementally add distilled water while vortexing until the final volume reaches the predetermined concentration (e.g., 5 mg mL⁻¹). Use the graduated cylinder to measure the total liquid accurately.
- Continue vortexing for an additional 2 minutes to ensure homogeneity; avoid the formation of clumps.
- Inspect the suspension visually; any visible particles larger than 0.5 mm indicate incomplete dispersion and require further mixing.
Fourth, aliquot the suspension into amber vials, each containing a volume sufficient for a single administration (e.g., 0.2 mL). Seal the vials, label with concentration, preparation date, and expiration time. Store at 4 °C; use within 24 hours to maintain potency.
Fifth, administer the dose:
- Warm the required aliquot to room temperature (approximately 22 °C) by placing the vial in a water bath for 5 minutes.
- Draw the exact volume with the sterile syringe.
- Deliver the suspension orally using a calibrated gavage needle, ensuring the rat is restrained gently to minimize stress.
Document every step in the laboratory notebook, noting the batch number, calculated dose, and any deviations. This systematic approach guarantees reproducibility and accurate dosing for experimental protocols.