Bioequivalence Study of Levocetirizine Dihydrochloride 5 mg Tablets in Healthy Thai Male Volunteers

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Polsak Teerawonganan
Ekawan Yoosakul
Pahweenvaj Ratnatilaka Na Bhuket
Bancha Chuasuwan
Isariya Techatanawat
Piengthong Narakorn
Archawin Rojanawiwat
Achara Eksaengsri

Abstract

Levocetirizine, a second generation H1-receptor antagonist, is an (R)-isomer of cetirizine. Due to an extensive use of levocetirizine dihydrochloride in the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial AR and the treatment of the uncomplicated skin manifestations of CIU, a generic product of levocetirizine dihydrochloride of GPO has been developed with lower price and would be benefit for patients with AR and CIU. Materials and Methods: A randomized, open-label, two-treatment, two-period, two-sequence, single dose, crossover bioequivalence study of the generic levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5 mg tablets of GPO, Thailand and the reference product (Xyzal®) in 26 healthy male subjects, under fasting conditions with 7 days washout period was carried out. Blood samples were collected at predefined time points up to 48 hours. Plasma concentrations of levocetirizine were analyzed using an achiral assay by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Non-compartmental model was used for pharmacokinetic analysis. Results: The mean values (±SD) of pharmacokinetic parameters (test vs. reference) were AUC0-tlast (1708.294 ± 372.0046 vs 1739.707 ± 356.0465 hr.ng/mL), AUC0- (1830.174 ± 360.1070 vs 1847.587 ± 344.0151 hr.ng/mL) and Cmax (222.414 ± 37.1886 vs 220.950 ± 36.3423 ng/mL). The 90% Confidence Intervals for the ratios of mean AUC0-tlast , AUC0- and Cmax for the test/reference were 98.1 (94.60-101.72), 99.0 (95.81-102.31) and 100.6 (95.56-105.89), respectively. These values were within the acceptable range of 80.00-125.00. Both the formulations were well tolerated. No clinically significant or serious ADRs were observed. Conclusion: Two formulations of levoceterizine dihydrochloride, GPO and Xyzal®, were bioequivalent and can be used interchangeably.

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Pharmaceutical Practice

References

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