title: The bioequivalence study of folifer-Z: a new formulation of sustained-release iron and zinc.
abstract: The bioequivalence of Folifer-Z tablets, a new sustained-release iron and zinc formulation was evaluated and compared to that of Fefol-Z capsules in 30 healthy male subjects. Each subject received a single oral dose of either product according to a randomized two-way crossover design. A washout period of 1 week was allowed after each treatment. Blood samples were obtained over a 24-h period, and iron and zinc concentrations were measured. The pharmacokinetic parameters of Folifer-Z were Cmax (103 +/- 46.2 micrograms/dl), Tmax (5.93 +/- 2.94 h) and AUC0-24 h (1937 +/- 706 micrograms/dl per h), whereas the corresponding Fefol-Z values were Cmax (109 +/- 41.5 micrograms/dl), Tmax (6.64 +/- 2.54) and AUC0-24 h (1865 +/- 699 micrograms/h per dl). Analysis of variance on log-transformed data for Cmax and AUC0-24 h revealed lack of significant differences among the two formulations. The mean relative bioavailability of AUCtest/AUCreference was 1.07 (90% confidence interval range: 99-115%) and for Cmax test/Cmax reference was 0.96 (90% confidence interval range: 88-105%). Regarding the zinc results, the pharmacokinetic parameters of Folifer-Z values were Cmax (101 +/- 20.7 micrograms/dl), Tmax (4.86 +/- 1.53 h) and AUC0-24 h (1944 +/- 202 micrograms/h per dl), while the corresponding Fefol-Z values were Cmax (102 +/- 20.7), Tmax (4.93 +/- 1.51) and AUC0-24 h (1953 +/- 200). Analysis of variance on log-transformed zinc data for Cmax, Tmax and AUC0-24 h revealed lack of significant difference among the two formulations. The mean relative bioavailability of AUCtest/AUCreference was 0.98 (90% confidence interval range; 95-101%) and for Cmax test/Cmax reference was 0.92 (90% confidence interval range: 89-96%). The results also indicate a possible inhibition of zinc absorption by iron content of both formulations. It is concluded that Folifer-Z product is bioequivalent to Fefol-Z product.
authors: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
authors: A S
authors: AS
authors: Salhab
authors: S M
authors: SM
authors: Zmeili
authors: M N
authors: MN
authors: Gharaibeh
authors: H H
authors: HH
authors: Elayan
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Sallam
authors: S
authors: S
authors: al Deleq
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002214:Capsules / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D013607:Tablets / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency; D015032:Zinc / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D013607:Tablets; D007501:Iron; D015032:Zinc