Abstract
After establishing improved HPLC analytical method of cefaclor in human plasma samples, a bioavailability study of cefaclor capsules was conducted according to the guidelines of Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). The standard calibration curve using an HPLC with UV detector was constructed in a range of $0.0324{\sim}16\;{\mu}g/ml$. The 6% perchloric acid instead of 6% trichloroacetic acid was used to precipitate plasma protein. The HPLC chromatograms were precisely and accurately resolved when spiked with human plasma spiked with cefaclor and cephalexin (internal standard). Twenty healthy male Korean volunteers received two commercial cefaclor capsules, $Neocef^{\circledR}$ capsule (Jinyang Pharm. Co., Ltd) or $Ceclor^{\circledR}$ capsule (Lilly Korea. Co., Ltd.) at the 250 mg cefaclor in a $2{\times}2$ crossover study. There was a one-week washout period between the doses. Plasma concentrations of cefaclor were monitored for 8 hours after oral drug administration. $AUC_t$ the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 8 hr (13 points), was calculated by the linear trapezoidal rule method. $C_{max}$ (maximum plasma drug concentration) and $T_{max}$ (time to reach $C_{max}$) were compiled from the plasma concentration-time data. Analysis of variance was carried out using logarithmically transformed $AUC_t$ and $C_{max}$. No significant sequence effect was found for all of the bioavailability parameters indicating that the cross-over design was properly performed. The 90% confidence intervals of the $AUC_t$ ratio and the $C_{max}$ ratio for $Neocef^{\circledR}/Ceclor^{\circledR}$ were $0.9049{\leq}{\delta}{\leq}1.226$, respectively. These values were within the acceptable bioequivalence intervals of 0.80-1.25. Thus, our study demonstrated the bioequivalence of $Neocef^{\circledR}/Ceclor^{\circledR}$ with respect to the extent of absorption.