Oral bioavailability of atenolol

The bioavailability of two formulations of atenolol was compared in an open, randomized crossover study. Each film-coated tablet contained 100 mg of active drug. The plasma concentrations of atenolol were determined using a newly developed and specific high-performance liquid chromatography procedure. The areas under the concentration – time curves (AUC) were calculated, as were pair differences and ratios for individual AUC values and for maximum plasma levels. The latter were determined (Cmax.(c)) and calculated (Cmax.(c)) at the corresponding time values (tmax.) for test and reference formulations, and were then tested for statistical significance. The 95% confidence limits for both test and reference preparations, taken according to Westlake or Wilcoxon, were found to be 80.0 − 114.7% for AUC, 80.2 − 119.9% for Cmax. and 74.5 − 132.8% for tmax. In terms of pharmacokinetic target criteria, therefore, it can be seen that there were no substantial differences between the two film-coated tablets. The two ...