title: Bioequivalence study of low-dose diclofenac potassium tablet formulations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Diclofenac is a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug with potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. An immediate-release formulation containing a low dose of 12.5 mg diclofenac-potassium (-K) is marketed as over the counter (OTC) medication in most European countries. An immediate-release formulation containing 25 mg diclofenac-K has now also been approved for OTC use. This study assessed the bioequivalence of two immediate-release diclofenac formulations when administered at the same dose.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized, crossover, open-label study was conducted in 29 healthy volunteers to assess the bioequivalence of single 25 mg dose of diclofenac-K in two formulations: 2 x 12.5 mg as film-coated tablets and 1 x 25 mg as sugar-coated tablet. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic analyses were obtained over 10 hours post administration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Plasma time courses of diclofenac were similar for the tested formulations. Mean AUC yen was 798 +/- 281 ng x h/ml (mean +/- SD) for the film-coated and 776 +/- 249 ng x h/ml for the sugar-coated formulation, respectively. The 2-sided 90% confidence interval for the mean test/reference ratio of AUCinfinity (95.5 - 107.5) fell within the predetermined equivalence range of 80 - 125%. Both formulations were rapidly absorbed; median time to maximal plasma concentration was 35 min in each group. Adverse events (peripheral erythema on the hand, headache, hypoesthesia) reported during the study were of mild severity and were considered as unlikely to be drug-related.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The two diclofenac-K immediate release formulations were pharmacokinetically similar. It can be concluded that the new sugar-coated tablet formulation is equivalent to the available film-coated tablet formulation with respect to the extent of diclofenac absorption.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany. buckhard.hinz@med.uni-rostock.de
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hinz
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hug
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fotopoulos
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Gold
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D019540:Area Under Curve; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005079:Excipients / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D013607:Tablets; D013810:Therapeutic Equivalency; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005079:Excipients; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D013607:Tablets; D004008:Diclofenac