Bioequivalence of a new atenolol formulation

A new generic drug of atenolol, Atenolol (A), (Fahlberg-List Magdeburg, Germany) was studied in comparison with standard preparation (S) in their pharmacokinetic behaviour in 12 patients under steady state conditions. The concentration-time-profile of both preparations was nearly identical. The half time of elimination was calculated for A at 6.5 h and for S at 5.9 h. From the ratio of AUC from A to S (extent of absorption) a mean bioequivalence of 103.1% (90%-confidence limits 0.85-1.21) was estimated. Corresponding values for the rate of absorption were in the mean 102.8% (90%-confidence limits 0.94-1.12).