Bioequivalence evaluation of two brands of furosemide 40 mg tablets (Salurin and Lasix) in healthy human volunteers

Abstract

A randomized, two-way, crossover, bioequivalence study was conducted in 24 fasting, healthy, male volunteers to compare two brands of furosemide 40 mg tablets, Salurin (Julphar, UAE) as test and Lasix (Hoechst AG, Germany) as reference product. The study was performed at the International Pharmaceutical Research Centre (IPRC), in a joint venture with Al-Mowasah Hospital, Amman, Jordan. One tablet of either formulation was administered with 240 ml of water after a 10 h overnight fast. After dosing, serial blood samples were collected for a period of 12 h. Plasma harvested from blood was analysed for furosemide by a validated HPLC method. Various pharmacokinetic parameters including AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity), C(max), T(max), T(1/2), and elimination rate constant were determined from plasma concentrations of both formulations. Statistical modules (ANOVA and 90% confidence intervals) were applied to AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity), and C(max) to assess the bioequivalence of the two brands which revealed no significant difference between them, and 90% CI fell within the US FDA accepted bioequivalence range of 80%-125%. Based on these statistical inferences, Salurin was found to be bioequivalent to Lasix.