Abstract

This study was carried out to compare the rate and extent of absorption of a generic salbutamol in oral dosage form (Brethmol, 4mg) with the proprietary equivalent product (Ventolin^®, 4mg), in healthy adult subjects, under fasting conditions. The study was a single dose, randomized, two way crossover study with a four-week washout period. It involved 22 healthy volunteers who received a single dose (4mg) of the test and the reference products after an overnight fast of at least 10 hours. Blood samples were collected at pre-dose and a serial of 14 samples were collected from each of the subject from 1h until 48 h post-dose. Plasma concentrations of salbutamol were analyzed using GCMS method. The mean AUC_0-¥ values were 91.26 and 96.45 h.ng/ml for reference and test product, respectively. The mean C_max values were 12.26 and 12.38 ng/ml and the mean t_max values were 2.80 and 2.33 hours for reference and test product, respectively. Analysis of variance showed that the 90% confidence intervals on the relative difference of the ratio for the AUC_0-¥ and the C_max for the test and reference products were contained within the bioequivalence limit (80 – 125%) (C_max: 89.8 – 110.5% and AUC_0-¥: 91.6 – 121.5%). There was no statistically significant difference for the t_max between the test and reference formulations (p = 0.30). The test formulation was found to be bioequivalent to the reference formulation with regard to AUC_0-¥ and C_max. There was no statistically significant difference in Brethmol and Ventolin^® t_max. In conclusion, Brethmol and Ventolin^® are bioequivalent in healthy subjects.

Author Details

Authors

• Z. Chik¹
• R.C. Basu¹
• R. Pendek²
• T.C. Lee³
• Z. Mohamed¹

Departments

• ¹ Department of Pharmacology,
• ² Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur and
• ³ Info Kinetic Sdn. Bhd., University Science Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

Address

Z. Chik
Department of Pharmacology
Faculty of Medicine
University of Malaya
50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Email: [email protected]

Citation