In vivo evaluation of guar gum-based colon-targeted drug delivery systems of ornidazole in healthy human volunteers

The aim of the present study was to find the in vivo performance of guar gum-based colon-targeted tablets of ornidazole (dose 250 mg) in comparison with an immediate release tablet of ornidazole (250 mg) in human volunteers. Six healthy volunteers participated in the study, and a cross over design was followed. The plasma concentration of ornidazole was estimated by HPLC. The immediate release tablets of ornidazole produced peak plasma concentration (Cmax of 2171.33+/-278.15 ng/ml) at 2.91+/-0.14 h (Tmax) whereas colon-targeted tablets produced peak plasma concentration (Cmax of 1716.66+/-125.83 ng/ml) at 11.91+/-0.14 h. The delayed Tmax, decreased Cmax, and decreased ka of ornidazole from guar gum-based colon-targeted ornidazole tablets, in comparison with the immediate tablets, indicated that the drug was not released in stomach and small intestine, but targeted to colon. Slow absorption of ornidazole from the less absorptive colon might result in the availability of drug for local action in the colon.     

In vivo evaluation of guargum-based colon-targeted oral drug delivery systems of celecoxib in human volunteers.

The present study involved the in vivo evaluation of orally administered guar gum-based colon-targeted tablet formulations of celecoxib (colon-targeted tablet-20 or colon-targeted tablet-30) as compared with an immediate release capsule in 15 human volunteers. Blood samples were obtained at different time intervals and the plasma concentration of celecoxib was estimated by reversed phase HPLC. The immediate release capsules of celecoxib might have disintegrated very fast in GI tract and absorbed quickly from stomach and small intestine thereby producing peak plasma concentration (Cmax of 478 +/- 57 ng/ml) within 3.8 +/- 0.1 h (Tmax). Though celecoxib could be seen in plasma after oral administration of colon-targeted tablet-20 or colon-targeted tablet-30 between 1 and 2 h, low levels of drug were observed upto 8 h resulting in peak concentration (Cmax) of 78 +/- 6 ng/ml or 88 +/- 15 ng/ml at 10.5 +/- 1.9 h or 13.5 +/- 1.4 h (Tmax) respectively, whereas the immediate release capsules produced peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of 478 +/- 57 ng/ml at 3.8 +/- 0.1 h (Tmax). Colon-targeted tablets showed decreased AUC(0-infinity), Cmax and absorption rate constant, prolonged absorption time (ta), and increased t1/2 in comparison with the immediate release capsules. The results of the study indicated that the guar gum-based colon-targeted tablets of celecoxib did not release the drug significantly in stomach and small intestine, but delivered to the colon resulting in a slow absorption of the drug and making it available for local action in the colon.     

In Vivo Evaluation of Guar Gum-based Colon-targeted Drug Delivery Systems of Ornidazole in Healthy Human Volunteers

The aim of the present study was to find the in vivo performance of guar gum-based colon-targeted tablets of ornidazole (dose 250 mg) in comparison with an immediate release tablet of ornidazole (250 mg) in human volunteers. Six healthy volunteers participated in the study, and a cross over design was followed. The plasma concentration of ornidazole was estimated by HPLC. The immediate release tablets of ornidazole produced peak plasma concentration (C max of 2171.33 ± 278.15 ng/ml) at 2.91 ± 0.14 h (T max) whereas colon-targeted tablets produced peak plasma concentration (C max of 1716.66 ± 125.83 ng/ml) at 11.91 ± 0.14 h. The delayed T max, decreased C max, and decreased k a of ornidazole from guar gum-based colon-targeted ornidazole tablets, in comparison with the immediate tablets, indicated that the drug was not released in stomach and small intestine, but targeted to colon. Slow absorption of ornidazole from the less absorptive colon might result in the availability of drug for local action in the colon.     

In vivo pharmacokinetics in human volunteers: oral administered guar gum-based colon-targeted 5-fluorouracil tablets

The objective of the present study is to compare the guar gum-based colon-targeted tablets of 5-fluorouracil against an immediate release tablet by in vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in human volunteers. Twelve healthy volunteers participated in the study. 5-Fluorouracil was administered at a dose of 50 mg both in immediate release tablet and colon-targeted tablet. On oral administration of colon-targeted tablets, 5-fluorouracil started appearing in the plasma at 6 h, and reached the peak concentration (C_max of 216±15 ng/ml) at 7.6±0.1 h (T_max), whereas the immediate release tablets produced peak plasma concentration (C_max of 278±21 ng/ml) at 0.6±0.01 h (T_max). The AUC_0−∞ for 5-fluorouracil from colon-targeted tablet and immediate release tablet were found to be 617±39 and 205±21 ng/ml/h, respectively. Colon-targeted tablets showed delayed t_max, delayed absorption time (t_a), decreased C_max and decreased absorption rate constant when compared to the immediate release tablets.The results of the study indicated that the guar gum-based colon-targeted formulation did not release the drug in stomach and small intestine, but delivered it to the colon resulting in a slow absorption of the drug and making it available for local action in colon.     

Pharmacokinetic evaluation of guar gum-based colon-targeted drug delivery systems of tinidazole in healthy human volunteers

The aim of the present investigation was to determine the in vivo availability of guar gum-based colon-targeted tablets of tinidazole in comparison with immediate release tablets of tinidazole in human volunteers. Six healthy volunteers participated in the study, and a cross-over design was used. The plasma concentration of tinidazole was estimated by HPLC. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the plasma concentration of tinidazole versus time data. The immediate release tablets of tinidazole produced a peak plasma concentration (C_max of 3239 ± 428 ng/ml) at 1.04 ± 0.32 hr (T_max), whereas colon-targeted tablets produced peak plasma concentration (C_max of 2158 ± 78 ng/ml) at 14.9 ± 1.6 hr. The delayed T_max, decreased C_max, and K_a, and unaltered bioavailability and elimination half-life of tinidazole from guar gum-based colon-targeted tinidazole tablets, in comparison with the immediate tablets, indicated that the drug was not released in the stomach and small intestine but delivered to the colon. Slow absorption of the drug from the less absorptive colon might result in the availability of the drug for local action in the colon. The guar gum-based colon-targeted tablets of tinidazole may be useful in providing an effective and safe therapy of intestinal amoebiasis.     

甲硝唑结肠定位缓释片的工艺研究

目的：研制甲硝唑结肠定位缓释片。方法：通过羟丙甲基纤维素（HPMC）骨架缓释材料制备甲硝唑缓释片芯，再采用S100包肠溶衣，制备甲硝唑结肠定位缓释片，并进行体外释放度和药动学研究。结果：所制得的片剂体外释放度符合结肠释放并缓释的特征，犬的药动学研究以及大鼠的消化道药物分布研究表明，药物口服后主要在结肠中释放，胃和小肠中几乎无药物释放。结论：采用本工艺制备的甲硝唑结肠定位缓释片可达到结肠定位和缓释的效果。     

Similar bioavailability of dexmethylphenidate extended (bimodal) release, dexmethyl-phenidate immediate release and racemic methylphenidate extended (bimodal) release formulations in man

OBJECTIVE: The d-isomer of methylphenidate (d-MPH) is the pharmacologically active part of the racemic mixture of methylphenidate (d,l-MPH), which has been used for decades in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A modified release formulation with bimodal release for the pure d-enantiomer (Focalin XR) has been developed to enable a fast onset of action and a sustained activity for once-daily administration. It was intended to achieve a bimodal concentration-time profile as observed after administration of two immediate release Focalin tablets. The pharmacokinetics of this d-MPH bimodal release formulation were compared with a d-MPH immediate release formulation and a similar bimodal release formulation of d,l-MPH in healthy adult volunteers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 25 volunteers received a single 20 mg dose of d-MPH bimodal release formulation, two 10 mg doses of a d-MPH immediate release formulation given 4 h apart and a single 40 mg dose of d,l-MPH bimodal release formulation (1 : 1 ratio for d : l enantiomers). The washout between treatments in this 3-way crossover study was 7 days. RESULTS: All three formulations were well-tolerated at the doses tested. The d-MPH bimodal release formulation generated two distinct d-MPH plasma concentration peaks and both peak concentrations and the time to peak were similar to those of the d-MPH immediate release formulation given 4 h apart and the d,l-MPH bimodal release formulation. The three formulations had Cmax and AUC0-infinity values of 15.5 +/- 4.3 ng/ml and 119 +/- 41 ng x h/ml for bimodal release d-MPH, 17.9 +/- 5.3 ng/ml and 115 +/- 40 ng A h/ml for immediate release d-MPH, and 16.4 +/- 4.4 ng/ml and 122 +/- 36 ng x h/ml for d,l-MPH bimodal release, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the 20 mg extended (bimodal) release formulation of d-MPH (Focalin XR) demonstrated a bimodal concentration-time profile and was bioequivalent to two 10 mg doses of immediate release d-MPH (Focalin) and was bioequivalent to 40 mg extended (bimodal) release d,l-MPH (Ritalin LA).     

Gastrointestinal transit and 5-ASA release from a new mesalazine extended-release formulation

BACKGROUND: Mesalazine (5-aminosalicylic acid, 5-ASA)-containing formulations represent a cornerstone in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Recently, a new formulation has been developed to provide selective and more homogeneous release of 5-ASA compared to traditional systems. METHODS: In a first study, gastrointestinal transit was followed by gamma-scintigraphy after single-dose application of tablets containing 1200 mg mesalazine to 12 healthy male volunteers. 5-ASA release was verified by the assessment of plasma pharmacokinetics. In a second, 7-day, multiple-dose study, the steady state plasma pharmacokinetics, urinary excretion and safety profile were characterized after twice-daily tablet administration to 12 healthy volunteers. RESULTS: Tablet erosion started after 6.9 +/- 1.1 h in the ascending or transverse colon. Radioactivity spread homogeneously throughout the colon, indicating the sustained release of active 5-ASA. Plasma kinetics indicated an earlier initial absorption of 5-ASA, i.e. during transit of the small intestine and ileum. Mean Cmax values (350.6 +/- 322.6 ng/mL) were observed during location in the ileo-caecal region. The mean relative absorption of 5-ASA was 19.9 +/- 18.2% in the small intestine and ileum and 80.1 +/- 18.2% in the colon. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of the new mesalazine formulation was well tolerated, and 5-ASA was continuously released along the whole colon, a favourable prerequisite for the therapy of distally located inflammatory bowel disease.     

Comparative bioavailability cf two amlodipine formulation in healthy volunteers

The present study was conducted to find out whether the bioavailability of a 10 mg amlodipine (CAS 88150-42-9) tablet (Intervask, "test") was equivalent to that that of a reference formulation ("reference"). The pharmacokinetic parameters assessed in this study were area under the serum concentration-time curve from time zero to 144 h (AUCt), area under the serum concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUCinf), the peak serum concentration of the drug (Cmax), time needed to achieve the peak serum concentration (tmax), and elimination half life (t(1/2)). This was a cross-over, randomized, single-blind study which included 12 healthy male and female volunteers under fasting condition. In each of the two study periods (separated by a washout of 3 weeks) a single dose of test or reference drug was administered. Blood samples were taken up to 144 h post dose, the plasma was separated and the concentrations of amlodipine were determined by a LC/MS method. The mean AUCt, AUCinf, Cmax, and t(1/2) were 353.15 ng x h/mL, 417.86 ng x h/mL, 8.08 ng/mL, and 48.04 h, respectively, for the test drug and 359.99 ng x h x mL(-1), 408.23 ng x h/mL, 8.22 ng/mL, and 43.81 h, respectively, for the reference drug. The median Tmax of the test drug and reference drug were 8.0 h and 8.5 h, respectively. The point estimators of the ratios test/reference drug for AUCt, AUCinf, and Cmax were 96.26%, 99.48%, and 97.03%, respectively. Furthermore, the 90% confidence intervals of the mean ratio of In-transformed were 83.73-110.68% for AUCt, 81.79-120.99% for AUCinf, and 81.94-114.81% for Cmax. It can be concluded that the two amlodipine tablets (test drug and reference drug) are bioequivalent in terms of the rate and extent of absorption.     

Bioequivalence and pharmacokinetics of 70 mg alendronate sodium tablets by measuring alendronate in plasma

The bioequivalence and pharmacokinetics of alendronate sodium tablets were examined by determining the plasma concentration of alendronate. Two groups, consisting of 24 healthy volunteers, each received a 70 mg reference alendronate sodium tablet and a test tablet in a 2x2 crossover study. There was a 6-day washout period between doses. The plasma alendronate concentration was monitored for 7 h after the dose, using HPLC-Fluorescence Detector (FD). The area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to the last sampling time at 7 h (AUC(0-7h) was calculated using the linear-log trapezoidal rule. The maximum plasma drug concentration (Cmax) and the time to reach Cmax (Tmax) were derived from the plasma concentration-time data. Analysis of variance was performed using logarithmically transformed AUC(0-7h) and Cmax, and untransformed Tmax. For the test medication versus the reference medication, the AUC(0-7h) were 87.63 +/- 29.27 vs. 102.44 +/- 69.96 ng x h x mL(-1) and the Cmax values were 34.29 +/- 13.77 vs. 38.47 +/- 24.39 ng x mL(-1), respectively. The 90% confidence intervals of the mean differences of the logarithmic transformed AUC(0-7h) and Cmax values were log 0.8234-log 1.1597 and log 0.8222-log 1.1409, respectively, satisfying the bioequivalence criteria guidelines of both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Korea Food and Drug Administration. The other pharmacokinetic parameters for the test drug versus reference drug, respectively, were: t(1/2), 1.87 +/- 0.62 vs. 1.77 +/- 0.54 h; V/F, 2061.30 +/- 986.49 vs. 2576.45 +/- 1826.05 L; CL/F, 835.32 +/- 357.35 vs. 889.48 +/- 485.87 L x h(-1); K(el), 0.42 +/- 0.14 vs. 0.40 +/- 0.18 h(-1); Ka, 4.46 +/- 3.63 vs. 3.80 +/- 3.64 h(-1); and Tlag, 0.19 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.18 +/- 0.06 h. These results indicated that two alendronate formulations (70-mg alendronate sodium) were biologically equivalent and can be prescribed interchangeably.     

Pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of eprosartan in Chinese healthy volunteers of different gender

The study aims to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of eprosartan in Chinese healthy volunteers and to study the effect of gender on pharmacokinetics of eprosartan. Twenty healthy volunteers (ten men and ten women) were recruited for an open trial and received a single dose of 600 mg eprosartan. Using a validated LC/MS/MS method, plasma and urinary concentrations of eprosartan were determined. The following pharmacokinetic parameters were elucidated after administration: the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from 0 to 32 h (AUC0-32h) 14818.75 +/- 7312.11 ng x h/mL, the area under the plasma concentration versus time curve from 0 to infinite (AUC(0-infinity)) 15081.62 +/- 7379.63 ng x h/mL, peak plasma concentration (Cmax) 3664.25 x 1653.94 ng x h/mL, time to Cmax (Tmax) 1.63 +/- 0.46 h, elimination half-life (t(1/2)) 8.03 +/- 4.04 h, apparent clearance (CL/F) 47.84 +/- 19.21 L/h, apparent volume of distribution of the central compartment (V/F) 537.21 +/- 287.91 L, renal clearance (CLr) 1.33 +/- 0.41 L/h, amount of unchanged eprosartan excreted into urine 18.44 +/- 6.43 mg and fraction of unchanged eprosartan excreted into urine 3.07 +/- 1.07%. Our results also indicated that no gender differences were observed in the pharmacokinetics of eprosartan in Chinese healthy volunteers.     

Formulation, evaluation and pharmacokinetics of colon targeted pulsatile system of flurbiprofen

Objective: The intent of the present investigation is to develop colon targeted compression coated flurbiprofen pulsatile release tablets that retard the drug release in the upper gastro intestinal system but progressively release in the colon. Materials and methods: Flurbiprofen core tablets were prepared by direct compression method and were compression coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and Eudragit S100. The formulation is optimized based on the in vitro drug release study and further evaluated by X-ray imaging and pharmacokinetic studies in healthy humans for colonic delivery. Results and discussions: The optimized formulation showed negligible drug release (7.26?±?0.05%) in the initial lag period followed by progressive release (99.27?±?0.46%) for 24?h. The X-ray imaging study in human volunteers showed that the tablets reached the colon without disintegrating in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The C(max) of colon targeted tablets was 10792.62?ng/mL at T(max) 10?h where as in case of immediate release tablets the C(max) was 15684.79?ng/mL at T(max) 3?h signifies the ability of compression coated tablets to target the colon. Conclusion: Development of pulsatile release compression coated tablets using combination of time dependent and pH sensitive approaches was suitable to target the flurbiprofen to colon.     

Relative bioavailability of a commercial trifluoperazine tablet formulation using a radioimmunoassay technique

The relative bioavailability of a new conventional tablet formulation (5 mg) of trifluoperazine dihydrochloride was studied in 24 healthy volunteers. Using a sensitive radioimmunoassay technique, plasma trifluoperazine concentrations were measured up until 24 h following ingestion of single 5-mg doses of trifluoperazine. The mean +/- SD for the peak concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax, area under the curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC240), and terminal elimination half-life following the administration of the test formulation were 2.15 +/- 1.07 ng/mL, 4.10 +/- 1.38 h, 21.04 +/- 11.92 ng X h/mL, and 9.5 +/- 7 h, respectively. Following the ingestion of the original trifluoperazine tablet formulation (5 mg) these same parameters were estimated to be 1.92 +/- 0.88 ng/mL, 4.02 +/- 1.10 h, 18.03 +/- 10.11 ng X h/mL, and 9.3 +/- 7 h, respectively. Large intersubject variations in Cmax and AUC240 were observed. The relative bioavailability of the test formulation was calculated to be 106.5 +/- 25.5%.     

Development and in vitro/in vivo evaluations of bioadhesive buccal tablets for nicotine replacement therapy

Buccal bioadhesive tablet formulations of nicotine hydrogen tartrate (NHT) for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) were developed using chitosan and carbomer at different ratios. Magnesium hydroxide was incorporated into the formulations as pH increasing agent. In vitro release and bioadhesion properties of the tablets were investigated. Release of NHT from the tablets was increased with the increasing amount of chitosan in formulations whilst the bioadhesion of the tablet was decreased. In vivo studies were carried out in healthy, non-smoker volunteers in comparison to a commercially available transdermal patch. Plasma nicotine and cotinine levels were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry. No significant difference was found between the maximum plasma nicotine concentrations (Cmax) obtained with the buccal tablet and the transdermal patch (p > 0.05). Time to reach the Cmax was 2.9 +/- 0.2 h and 11.5 +/- 1.3 h, and AUC0-24 values were 59.3 +/- 5.1 ng x h x mL(-1) (0-12 h) and 204.1 +/- 31.2 ng x h x mL(-1) for buccal tablet and transdermal patch, respectively.     

Pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of haloperidol tablet by liquid chromatographic mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization

The purpose of this study is to investigate the bioequivalence of two haloperidol 5 mg tablets, Myung In haloperidol (Myung In Pharm. Co., Ltd., test drug) and Peridol (Whanin Pharm. Co., Ltd., reference drug), and also to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters of haloperidol in Korean volunteers. The bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of haloperidol tablets were examined on 24 healthy volunteers who received a single oral dose of each preparation in the fasting state in a randomized balanced 2 way crossover design. After an oral dosing, blood samples were collected for a period of 60 h. Plasma concentrations of haloperidol were determined using a liquid chromatographic electrospray mass spectrometric (LC-MS) method. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis. The geometric means of AUC0-60h and Cmax between test and reference formulations were 17.21 +/- 8.26 ng x h/mL vs 17.31 +/- 13.24 ng x h/mL and 0.87 +/- 0.74 ng/mL vs 0.85 +/- 0.62 ng/mL, respectively. The 90% confidence intervals of mean difference of logarithmic transformed AUC0-60h and Cmax were log0.9677 - log1.1201 and log0.8208-log1.1981, respectively. It shows that the bioavailability of test drug is equivalent with that of reference drug. The geometric means of other pharmacokinetic parameters (AUCinf, t1/2, Vd/F, and CL/F) between test drug and reference drug were 21.75 +/- 8.50 ng x h/mL vs 21.77 +/- 15.63 ng x h/mL, 29.87 +/- 8.25 h vs 29.60 +/- 7.56 h, 11.51 +/- 5.45 L vs 12.90 +/- 6.12 L and 0.26 +/- 0.09 L/h vs 0.31 +/- 0.17 L/h, respectively. These observations indicate that the two formulation for haloperidol was bioequivalent and, thus, may be clinically interchangeable.     

马来酸左旋氨氯地平分散片的生物等效性研究

目的研究马来酸左旋氨氯地平分散片与马来酸左旋氨氯地平片在健康志愿者中的相对生物利用度和生物等效性。方法采用双周期、随机、交叉试验设计,20例男性健康受试者随机分成两组,单剂量、交叉口服受试制剂马来酸左旋氨氯地平分散片和参比制剂马来酸左旋氨氯地平片5mg,采集不同时间点的静脉血样,用LC-MS/MS法(液相色谱-串联质谱法)测定给药后不同时间左旋氨氯地平的血药浓度。结果马来酸左旋氨氯地平分散片与马来酸左旋氨氯地平片(对照药)的Tmax分别为(5.8±2.4)h和(6.6±2.6)h;Cmax分别为(3.7±0.9)ng/mL和(3.8±1.0)ng/mL;AUC0→120分别为(173.7±37.9)ng/(h.mL)和(176.6±40.2)ng/(h.mL);AUC0→∞分别为(214.8±56.8)ng/(h.mL)和(219.3±58.8)ng/(h.mL)。受试制剂对参比制剂的相对生物利用度F为99%±6%(85%~110%)。统计分析结果表明二者在不同制剂间和不同周期间差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。结论马来酸左旋氨氯地平分散片与马来酸左旋氨氯地平片参比制剂具有生物等效性。     

Bioequivalence evaluation of two brands of lisinopril tablets by in vitro comparative dissolution test and in vivo bioequivalence test

The bioequivalence of a test formulation (Nanopril, "test") and a reference formulation ("reference") of lisinopril (CAS 83915-83-7) was demonstrated by in vivo and in vitro tests. The in vivo bioequivalence study in 26 healthy volunteers was designed as a single dose, randomized, double-blind trial with a 2-week washout period between the doses. Prior to the in vivo study, an in vitro comparative dissolution test was performed by the paddle method following the bioequivalence guidance of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). By the results of the dissolution test it was demonstrated from the similar and rapidly dissolving patterns of the two lisinopril tablets that the two formulations were pharmaceutically equivalent. However, the in vivo bioequivalence study was required to fully evaluate the bioequivalence of the two drug products. In the in vivo bioequivalence study, the plasma samples drawn from the volunteers were analyzed utilizing a sensitive LC-MS-MS analysis method and the bioequivalence between the two drug products was assessed by statistical analysis of the log transformed mean ratios of Cmax,AUC(0-t) and AUC(0-infinity). The mean maximum concentration (Cmax) of the test and reference were found to be 60.41 +/- 20.07 ng/mL and 61.11 +/- 19.36 ng/mL, respectively. The 90% confidence intervals (C.I.) of Cmax were in the range from 0.91 to 1.08. As for the AUC(0-t) and the AUC(0-infinity), test values were 792.73 +/- 273.41 ng x mL(-1) x h, 862.74 +/- 303.81 ng x mL(-1) x h and the reference values were 841.66 +/- 286.07 ng . mL(-1) x h, 906.97 +/- 318.72 ng x mL(-1) x h, respectively. The 90% C. I. of AUC(0-t) were 0.86 to 1.01 and of AUC(0-infinity), 0.87 to 1.02 and thus were within the 80-125% interval proposed by the FDA. In addition to the 90% C.I. of the pharmaceutical parameters, a two-way ANOVA showed no significant difference between the two formulations. Based upon these statistical analyses, it was concluded that the test formulation is bioequivalent to the reference.     

Pharmacokinetic comparison of two 40 mg tablet formulations of citalopram using a new amperometric detection technique

OBJECTIVES: To assess the bio-equivalence of two citalopram 40 mg tablet formulations (Lecital of the Jordan Sweden Medical and Sterilization Co. (JOSWE) as a test product, and Cipramil of Lundbeck (Denmark) as a reference product), and to develop a new high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method using liquid-liquid extraction followed by addition of acid for the quantification of citalopram in human plasma. METHODS: A single-blind, randomized, single-dose, 2-treatment, 2-period, 2-sequence, crossover bioequivalence study with a 20-day washout period in 24 healthy volunteers. The drug was administered with 240 ml of water after 10-h overnight fasting. After dosing, serial blood samples were collected for a period of 192 h. Plasma harvested from blood was analyzed for citalopram by a novel method using HPLC coupled with an electrochemical detector. The limit of quantitation of citalopram was 1.493 ng/ml. Matrix-based calibration curves were linear over the range 1.493 - 80.640 ng/ml for citalopram. RESULTS: The average bioavailability and pharmacokinetic parameters of the two citalopram tablets were as follows: peak plasma concentration Cmax was 35.0 +/- 10.04 ng/ml and 33.4 +/-7.80 ng/ml for Lecital and Cipramil, respectively. The time to peak plasma concentrations tmax were 3.81 +/- 1.18 and 4.08 +/- 1.54 h, while the plasma half-life (t1/2) values were 54.0 +/- 7.50 and 54.7 +/- 10.6 h. The area under the plasma concentration-time profiles AUCo-t were 1,820 +/- 582 ng x h/ml and 1,660 +/- 510 ng x h/ml, whereas the AUC0-infinity were 2,010 +/- 663 ng x h/ml and 1,850 +/- 577 ng x h/ml for Lecital and Cipramil, respectively. The 90% confidence intervals for test/reference ratio were found within the acceptable limits of 80 - 125%, consequently no significant difference was found between the test and reference. CONCLUSION: Based on the pharmacokinetic and statistical results, it was concluded that Lecital 40 mg tablets of JOSWE is bioequivalent to Cipramil 40 mg tablets of Lundbeck (Denmark).     

Effects of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of acebutolol

AIMS: We aimed to investigate effects of grapefruit juice on acebutolol pharmacokinetics. METHODS: In a randomized cross-over study, 10 healthy subjects ingested 200 mL grapefruit juice or water three times daily for 3 days and twice on day 4. On day 3, each subject ingested 400 mg acebutolol with grapefruit juice or water. The concentrations of acebutolol and its metabolite diacetolol were measured in plasma and urine up to 33 h. RESULTS: Grapefruit juice decreased the peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of acebutolol by 19% from 872 +/- 207 ng mL(-1) to 706 +/- 140 ng mL(-1) (95% CI on the difference -306, -26.4; P < 0.05), and the area under the concentration time curve (AUC(0-33 h)) by 7%, from 4498 +/- 939 ng mL(-1) h to 4182 +/- 915 ng mL(-1) h (95% CI -609, -23.0; P < 0.05). The half-life (t1/2) of acebutolol prolonged from 4.0 to 5.1 h (P < 0.05). The time to peak concentration and the amount of acebutolol excreted into urine (Ae) were unchanged. The Cmax, AUC(0-33 h), and Ae of diacetolol were decreased by 24% (P < 0.05), 18% (P < 0.05), and 20% (P < 0.01), respectively, by grapefruit juice. CONCLUSION: Grapefruit juice caused a small decrease in the plasma concentrations of acebutolol and diacetolol by interfering with gastrointestinal absorption. The interaction between the grapefruit juice and acebutolol is unlikely to be of clinical significance in most of the patients.     

Gastrointestinal transit, release and plasma pharmacokinetics of a new oral budesonide formulation

AIMS: The aims of the study were to: (1) evaluate the gastrointestinal transit, release and absorption of budesonide from tablets with a new multimatrix formulation (MMX) designed to release the drug throughout the whole colon, and (2) assess the influence of food on budesonide bioavailability. METHODS: Two phase I studies, each comprising 12 healthy males, were performed. Gastrointestinal transit of (153)Sm-labelled tablets containing 9 mg budesonide was evaluated by means of pharmaco-scintigraphy. The effect of food was tested by comparing plasma pharmacokinetics after intake of a high fat and high calorie breakfast with fasting controls. RESULTS: (153)Sm-labelled tablets reached the ascending colon after a mean +/- SD 9.8 +/- 6.9 h. Initial tablet disintegration was observed in the ileum in 42% and the ascending and transverse colon in 33% of subjects. Ninety-six per cent of the dose was absorbed into the systemic circulation during passage through the whole colon including the sigmoid. Food significantly decreased C(max) values from 1429 +/- 1014 to 1040 +/- 601 pg mL(-1) (P = 0.028) and AUC values from 14 814 +/- 11 254 to 13 486 +/- 9369 pg h(-1) mL(-1) (P = 0.008). Mean residence time and t(max) increased by 12-29%. There was no drug accumulation after 1 week of once daily oral administration of budesomide. CONCLUSIONS: MMX-budesonide tablets appear suitable for targeted colonic drug delivery. Transit parameters and low systemic bioavailability warrant further studies with the new formulation.