Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bioequivalence of two propiverine hydrochloride tablets, BUP-4 (Jeil Pharm. Co., Ltd.) and Kuhnil Propiverine Hydrochloride (Kuhnil Pharm. Co., Ltd.), according to the guidelines of the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The propiverine release from the two propiverine hydrochloride formulations in vitro was tested using KP VIII Apparatus II method with a variety of dissolution media (pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solutions, water and blend of polysorbate 80 into pH 6.8). Twenty six healthy male subjects, $23.73{\pm}2.79$ years in age and $67.04{\pm}7.93\;kg$ in body weight, were divided into two groups and a randomized $2\;{\times}\;2$ cross-over study was employed. After one tablet containing 20 mg as propiverine hydrochloride was orally administered, blood was taken at predetermined time intervals and the concentrations of propiverine in serum were determined using HPLC method with UV detector. The dissolution profiles of two formulations were similar at all dissolution media. Besides, the pharmacokinetic parameters such as $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$ were calculated and ANOVA test was utilized for the statistical analysis of the parameters using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t,\;C_{max}$ and untransformed $T_{max}$. The results showed that the differences between two formulations based on the BUP-4 were 0.17%, 7.98% and 4.55% for $AUC_t,\;C_{max}\;and\;T_{max}$. respectively. There were no sequence effects between two formulations in these parameters. The 90% confidence intervals using logarithmically transformed data were within the acceptance range of log(0.8) to log(1.25) $(e.g.,\;log(0.88){\sim}log(1.l2)\;and\;log(0.90){\sim}log(1.l5)\;for\;AUC_t\;and\;C_{max},\;respectively)$. Thus, the criteria of the KFDA bioequivalence guideline were satisfied, indicating Kuhnil Propiverine Hydrochloride tablet was bioequivalent to BUP-4 tablet.
