How much dorifene to give a rat? - briefly
A typical rat dose of dorifene is 0.5–1 mg per kilogram of body weight, administered intraperitoneally or subcutaneously. Do not exceed 2 mg/kg to avoid toxicity.
How much dorifene to give a rat? - in detail
Dorifene is typically administered to laboratory rats in a dose expressed as milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg). The standard therapeutic range for adult rats (200–300 g) is 5–10 mg/kg when delivered intraperitoneally. For juvenile animals (100–150 g), the dose is reduced proportionally, usually 4–8 mg/kg, to account for metabolic differences.
Calculation example
- Target dose: 7 mg/kg
- Average adult rat weight: 250 g (0.25 kg)
- Required amount: 7 mg × 0.25 kg = 1.75 mg
If the stock solution contains 10 mg/mL, the injection volume is:
1.75 mg ÷ 10 mg/mL = 0.175 mL (≈ 175 µL).
Key parameters
- Route: intraperitoneal injection is most common; subcutaneous or oral routes require higher doses due to lower bioavailability.
- Concentration: prepare a sterile solution at 10 mg/mL or adjust proportionally; ensure complete dissolution before use.
- Frequency: single administration is typical for acute studies; repeat dosing should not exceed 24 h intervals unless specific protocols dictate otherwise.
- Safety margin: do not exceed 12 mg/kg in a single dose to avoid toxicity; monitor for signs of distress, reduced locomotion, or respiratory depression.
Preparation steps
- Weigh the animal to the nearest gram.
- Calculate the required drug amount using the chosen mg/kg value.
- Dilute the appropriate volume of stock solution with sterile saline to reach the final injection volume (generally ≤ 0.5 mL per 250 g rat).
- Filter the solution through a 0.22 µm membrane to remove particulates.
- Administer using a 27‑30 G needle, injecting slowly to minimize peritoneal irritation.
Documentation
Record animal ID, weight, calculated dose, injection volume, and any observed adverse effects. This information is essential for reproducibility and compliance with institutional animal care guidelines.