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Establishment of a reference formulation for bioequivalence assessment of rifampicin-containing FDCs: an essential
Y Ashokraj1, I Singh, K J Kaur
1Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali, Punjab, India.
Setting:
Selection of a reference product for bioequivalence studies of rifampicin (RMP) in prequalifying fixed-dose combinations (FDC) for worldwide distribution through the WHO is critical.
Objective:
To investigate the feasibility of establishing FDC formulations as reference products for bioequivalence studies of RMP in prequalification programmes.
Design:
A biostudy was conducted as an open, two-period randomised cross-over trial. Two three-drug FDCs containing RMP, isoniazid and ethambutol hydrochloride were administered to a group of 22 volunteers with a wash-out period of 1 week. Plasma samples were collected and analysed for the concentration of RMP and desacetyl-RMP, a major active metabolite of RMP, up to 24 h. Pharmacokinetic parameters of RMP were calculated: Cmax, AUC0-24, Tmax, kel and absorption efficiencies.
Results:
No significant difference was observed between the administered formulations with respect to the major pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, Tmax and AUC0-24 when evaluated by parametric (two-way ANOVA) and non-parametric (Hauschke's analysis) statistical analysis. The concentration of RMP falls within the reported acceptable therapeutic range.
Conclusion:
FDCs can be developed as a reference product for bioequivalence studies.
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