Relative bioavailability of a new transdermal nitroglycerin delivery system

The purpose of this study was to measure the bioavailability of nitroglycerin from a new transdermal delivery system, Nitro-Dur II, relative to that of Nitro-Dur. Twenty-four healthy male volunteers completed a two-way crossover study. Each subject randomly received Nitro-Dur (I) and Nitro-Dur II (II) for a 24-h period. Both transdermal systems had an active surface area of 20 cm2. Blood samples were collected immediately before treatment, at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24 h after topical application of the units, and 30 min after the units were removed. Nitroglycerin was determined with an analytical sensitivity of 50 pg/mL using gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-EC). Mean steady-state concentrations of nitroglycerin were 182 and 224 pg/mL for I and II, respectively. There were no statistical differences between I and II in the pharmacokinetic parameters measured (Css, AUC, Cmax, % fluctuation). Residual nitroglycerin content was measured in each transdermal unit after application to each of the 24 volunteers. The amounts of nitroglycerin delivered by I and II were 9.78 +/- 4.11 and 10.67 +/- 4.78 mg, respectively, or approximately 10 mg in 24 h. Statistical analysis of these data using an analysis of variance indicated no significant difference between these treatments (p = 0.27). Since there were also no differences in the plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters calculated after treatment with I and II, the bioequivalence of the two delivery systems was established.