Multiple level C in vitro/in vivo correlation of dissolution profiles of two thyroxine tablets with pharmacokinetics data obtained from patients treated for hypothyroidism

In a previous study aimed to compare the bioavailability of two levothyroxine tablets, we found a good relation between their pharmacokinetics parameters and dissolution profiles, employing the USP dissolution conditions in use at that time (24th edition). Despite the formulations were considered bioequivalent, the test product presented values of AUC and concentrations at steady-state significantly lower (about 10%) than the reference ones. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate if the actual pharmacopeial conditions (with alterations introduced in the first supplement of USP 24) would also allow a good correlation between bioavailability and dissolution data. The partial AUCs were correlated with cumulative levothyroxine amount dissolved at three different times, for each dissolution condition. Employing the old method, test tablets had a slower dissolution rate than the reference ones, resulting in a quite good multiple level C in vitro/in vivo (IVIV) correlation. On the other hand, the very fast dissolution profiles obtained in the actual condition lead to a worse IVIV correlation. Present work indicates that the mild conditions proposed in the older US Pharmacopeia were better than the actual in order to discriminate dissolution profiles of levothyroxine tablets which present subtle, but significant, differences in their pattern of absorption.