Bioavailability of a new ketoprofen formulation for once-daily oral administration

A new sustained-release formulation (sustained release Ibifen) that gradually releases ketoprofen within 24 h and ensures therapeutic plasma concentration for the entire period has been developed. It consists of tableted pH-dependent barrier film-coated ketoprofen granules and was administered at a single dose of 200 mg to 12 volunteers. Ketoprofen plasma profiles were compared with: (1) administration of Orudis retard 200 capsule (200 mg); (2) two 12-h doses of prompt release Ibifen capsules (100 mg). In vitro dissolution kinetics and ketoprofen plasma levels were measured by HPLC. Sustained release Ibifen dissolution rate was constant for 10 h, whereas Orudis retard 200 dissolution profile presented one higher slope (0-6 h) and a lower one (6-12 h). Both formulations showed a delayed kinetics with respect to prompt release Ibifen. After sustained release Ibifen administration, ketoprofen plasma peak, reached within 2 h, remained practically constant for at least 12 h (average 4 microg/ml), which is higher than therapeutic levels. Differently, Orudis retard 200 produced a delayed, higher C(max) (5.91+/-0.66 vs. 4.51+/-0.65 microg/ml; P<0.01) and disappeared more quickly. In conclusion, sustained release Ibifen can ensure therapeutic ketoprofen plasma levels for the entire 24 h period, avoiding plasma concentration spikes, with bioavailability similar to other ketoprofen preparations.