OBJECTIVE: To compare the bioavailability of two glimepiride 4-mg tablet formulation in 26 healthy volunteers of both sexes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted open with randomized two-period crossover design and a 14-day washout period. Samples were obtained over a 48-hour interval. Glimepiride concentrations were analyzed by LC-MS-MS. From the glimepiride plasma concentration versus time curves the following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained: AUC(0-last), AUC(0-t), AUC(0-<FONT FACE=Symbol>¥</FONT>), Ke, T1/2, Cmax, and Tmax. RESULTS: Geometric mean of Glimepirida/Amaryl® 4 mg was 102.35% for AUC(0-t), 102.35% for AUC(0-<FONT FACE=Symbol>¥</FONT>) and 99.31% for Cmax. The 90% CI was 92.62-109.55%; 95.62-109.55% e 88.60-111.32%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Since the 90% CI for both Cmax, AUC(0-t), and AUC(0-<FONT FACE=Symbol>¥</FONT>) were within the interval of 80-125%, it was concluded that both formulations were bioequivalent, according to both the rate and extent of absorption.
Glimepiride; Diabetes; Bioequivalence; Liquid chromatography
