How to give Sumamed to a rat? - briefly
Administer azithromycin to a rat by oral gavage with a calibrated syringe and a flexible feeding needle, delivering the weight‑based dose in a minimal volume of sterile water. Calculate the dose (e.g., 10 mg/kg) and adjust the volume to the animal’s weight before dosing.
How to give Sumamed to a rat? - in detail
Administering azithromycin (commercially known as Sumamed) to a laboratory rat requires precise preparation, dosage calculation, and proper technique to ensure reliable results and animal welfare.
First, determine the target dose. Common protocols use 10–30 mg kg⁻¹ body weight per day, delivered once or divided into two doses. Measure each rat’s weight to the nearest gram, then calculate the required amount of drug:
[ \text{Dose (mg)} = \text{Weight (kg)} \times \text{Desired dose (mg kg⁻¹)} ]
For a 250‑g rat (0.25 kg) receiving 20 mg kg⁻¹, the required quantity is 5 mg of azithromycin.
Prepare the solution immediately before use. Dissolve the calculated drug amount in sterile physiological saline (0.9 % NaCl) or distilled water, ensuring complete solubility. Adjust the final volume so that the concentration allows accurate dosing with the chosen delivery method (e.g., 0.5 mL for oral gavage).
Select the administration route:
- Oral gavage – most common for precise dosing. Use a suitably sized, flexible gavage needle (20‑22 G, 1.5‑2 in). Load the calculated volume into a sterile syringe, attach the needle, and gently insert it along the palate, avoiding the trachea. Deliver the dose slowly to prevent aspiration. Observe the rat for 1–2 minutes after dosing to ensure no regurgitation.
- Drinking water – suitable for prolonged treatment. Mix the drug into the water bottle at a concentration that delivers the intended daily dose based on average water consumption (≈30 mL kg⁻¹ day⁻¹). Replace the solution daily to maintain stability.
- Subcutaneous injection – an alternative when oral administration is not feasible. Dilute the drug in sterile saline to a concentration allowing injection of 0.1–0.2 mL per 100 g body weight. Inject into the scruff region using a 27‑30 G needle, ensuring no leakage.
Maintain aseptic conditions throughout preparation and administration. Wear gloves, use sterile syringes and needles, and work in a clean environment. Record each animal’s identifier, weight, calculated dose, administration route, and any observed adverse reactions.
After dosing, monitor the rats for signs of distress, changes in behavior, or gastrointestinal upset. If adverse effects appear, consult veterinary staff and adjust the protocol accordingly.