Comparative bioavailability of two tablet preparations of metronidazole

In a randomized cross-over study, eight healthy volunteers received single 200 mg doses of metronidazole tablets (as either the May and Baker or Servipharm preparation) after an overnight fast. The bioavailability of these two preparations did not differ significantly as judged from the peak plasma concentration, time to peak plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration-time curve. Metronidazole was found to have a plasma clearance of 1.05 +/- 0.14 (s.d.) and 0.98 +/- 0.17 ml min-1 kg-1, a plasma terminal half-life of elimination of 9.15 +/- 1.01 and 10.35 +/- 1.59 h, and an apparent volume of distribution of 0.83 +/- 0.06 l kg-1 (the values obtained with the May and Baker preparation being shown before the Servipharm preparation in each case).