Abstract
Carvedilol is a nonselective $\beta$-blocking agent with vasodilating properties that are attributed mainly to its blocking activity at $\alpha$$^{1}$-receptors. Carvedilol is used in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertention and angina pectoris and is often used in combination with other drugs. This study was carried out to evaluate the bioequivalence and pharmacokinetics of two carvedilol 25mg tablet formulations according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). Twenty healthy volunteers are enrolled and received a single dose (25mg as carvedilol) of each drug in the fasting state, in a randomized 2-way crossover design. After oral administration, blond samples were collected for a period of 30 hours. Plasma concentrations of carvedilol were determined by a rapid and sensitive HPLC method with spectrofluorometric detection. The major pharmacokinetic parameters such as AU $C_{0-}$30hr/, AU $C_{inf}$ , $C_{max}$, $T_{max}$, $t_{1}$2 / Cl/F and V $_{\beta}$//F were calculated. ANOVA test and t-test were utilized for the statistical analysis of each parameter. The results showed that the differences in AU $C_{0-}$30hr/, $C_{max}$ and $T_{max}$ between two were ~5.66, 1.74 and 0.00%, respectively. Minimum detectable differences ($\Delta$) at $\alpha$=0.05 were less than$\pm$ 20% except $T_{max}$ (8.44, 18.36, and 33.86%, respectively). The 90% confidence intervals of all parameters were within $\pm$20% (-10.60~ -0.72, -9.00~12.49 and -19.81~19.81%, respectively). Therefore, it is concluded that the two formulations are bioequivalent for both the extent and the rate of absorption after single dose administration.ation.ion.ion.ation.ion.n.
