Abstract
Comparison of bioavailabflity (BA) of three brands of ranitidine (RT) tablets has been studied m rats. The purpose of this study was to characterize the pharniacolunetics of RT tablets in the rat and to coinpare phannacolunetic parameters of three brands of RT tablets. In addition, it was investigated whether plasma RT concentrations m humans can be predicted from pharmacokinetic parameters obtained in rats. RT was administered intravenously in dose of RT.HCI 10mg/kg and orally in dose of RT.HCI 50mg/kg as solution or crushed sample of thablets. Plasma RT concentrations were determned by HPLC. Plasma RT concentrations as a function of time were fitted to two compartment model. Plasma RT concentrations declined with a terminal half life ($t_{{1}/2{\betha}}$) of 40.9 min. The plasma RT concentration-time curve showed two peak plasma concentrations following an oral administration of solution or crushed sample in rats like humans. No significant difference among pharmacokinetic parameters was observed except $T_{max2}$ (p<0.05). The BA for crushed sample A, B and C were found to be 54.6 40.7 and 40.0%, respectively. Equivalence of $C_{max1}$ and $T_{max2}$ were guaranteed in this study. However, it was concluded that three brands of RT tablets are bioequivalent, taking the following characteristics of RT into consideration;(1) rapid onset of the effect is not required, (2) $C_{max1}$ and $T_{max2}$ do not seem to influence the effectiveness of the drug during a long-term treatment by the usual administration of twice a day. Results from this study were combined with plarmacokinetic data for RT in dogs and humans to develop a basis for interspecies scale-up of the disposition characteristics of the drug. there were similarities in the general disposition of the drug. Allometric relationships were sought between pharmacokinetic parameters nd species body weight. Significant interspecies correlations were found for total body clearance($Cl_{t}$) and steady state volume of distribution ($Bd_{ss}$). Thus, plasma RT concentrations in humans can be predicted from pharmacokinetic parameters obtained in rats.