How to give a rat the drug Cifran? - briefly
Administer Cifran to a rat by oral gavage using a sterile, calibrated syringe to deliver the calculated dose (mg per kg) in an appropriate vehicle, ensuring gentle restraint and correct placement of the gavage needle in the esophagus. Observe the animal for at least 30 minutes after dosing for any adverse reactions and document the response.
How to give a rat the drug Cifran? - in detail
Administering Cifran to a laboratory rat requires precise dose calculation, sterile preparation, and controlled delivery. The process begins with weighing each animal to the nearest gram. The recommended dosage, expressed in milligrams per kilogram of body weight, is multiplied by the individual weight to obtain the exact amount of drug needed for that subject.
The calculated dose is dissolved in a suitable vehicle, such as sterile saline or a buffered solution, to achieve a concentration that allows delivery of the required volume without exceeding 10 ml kg⁻¹. Filtration through a 0.22 µm membrane ensures sterility. Solutions are prepared fresh or stored at 4 °C for no longer than 24 hours to preserve potency.
Two primary routes are employed: oral gavage and intraperitoneal injection. Oral gavage provides direct gastrointestinal exposure and minimizes tissue trauma; intraperitoneal injection delivers rapid systemic distribution but requires careful needle placement to avoid organ injury.
Essential equipment includes:
- Calibrated analytical balance
- Sterile syringes (1–5 ml) with appropriate gauge needles
- Flexible gavage needles (20–22 G) of suitable length
- Personal protective equipment (gloves, lab coat, eye protection)
Procedure for oral gavage:
- Restrain the rat gently by holding the tail and supporting the body.
- Insert the gavage needle along the midline of the oral cavity, advancing until the tip reaches the esophagus.
- Administer the calculated volume slowly to prevent aspiration.
- Observe the animal for a brief period to ensure normal breathing and recovery.
Procedure for intraperitoneal injection:
- Secure the rat in a supine position on a padded surface.
- Locate the lower right quadrant of the abdomen, avoiding the midline.
- Insert the needle at a 30–45° angle, penetrating the peritoneal cavity.
- Inject the dose steadily, then withdraw the needle and apply gentle pressure to the site.
Post‑administration monitoring involves recording the time of dosing, assessing behavior, and checking for signs of distress, such as reduced locomotion, piloerection, or respiratory abnormalities. Any adverse reactions should be documented and reported according to institutional animal care guidelines.