Comparative bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of three formulations of albuterol

Albuterol sulfate, alpha'[[1,1-dimethyl)amino]methyl]-4-hydroxy-1,3-benzenedimethanol sulfate, is a relatively selective beta-2-adrenergic bronchodilator used for the relief of bronchospasm. The bioavailability of two 4-mg tablet formulations, differing in their inactive excipients, and a syrup formulation, was evaluated. The three dosage forms were orally administered to 12 normal male volunteers in a randomized three-way crossover study. Plasma samples were collected at frequent time points through 12 h and analyzed for albuterol content by a specific GC-MS method. The drug was rapidly absorbed from all three formulations. Maximum drug concentrations were comparable for the three formulations and were obtained between 1.8-2.0 h. The areas under the plasma concentration-time curves were 68-78 h X ng/mL. The drug elimination phase half-live (t1/2 beta) ranged from 4.8 to 5.5 h. Analysis of the data showed that the bioavailability of albuterol from a tablet formulation is equivalent to that from a solution.