摘要：A crossover-randomized bioequivalence study of two oral formulations of esomeprazole (40 mg) capsules were carried out in 16 healthy male Bangladeshi volunteers. The test and reference formulations were PRONEX™ (Drug International Ltd, Bangladesh) and NEXIUM ™ (AstraZeneca AB, Sweden), respectively. Each tablet was administered with 150 mL of water to subjects after overnight fasting on 2 treatment days separated by 1 week washout period. After dosing, serial blood samples were collected for a period of 24 hours. The plasma concentrations of esomeprazole were estimated using a validated HPLC method. The pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, Tmax, AUC 0 g 24h , t1/2, and Kel were determined. The mean (± SD) AUC 0 g 24h for esomeprazole of test drug PRONEXTM for 16 volunteers was 1509 (± 546) ng.hr/mL whereas it was 1622 (± 589) ng.hr/mL for esomeprazole of NEXIUMTM. The relative bioavailability (PRONEXTM/NEXIUMTM ratio) was 93%. The Cmax, tmax, half-life of elimination (t1/2) and the rate of elimination (Kel) of esomeprazole of test drug were 1653 (± 706) ng/mL, 2.13 (± 0.81) hours, 2.00 (± 0.61) hour and 0.3465 respectively. The Cmax, tmax, half-life of elimination (t1/2) and the rate of elimination (Kel) of esomeprazole of reference drug were 1820 (± 877) ng/mL, 2.80 (± 0.67) hours, 2.14 (± 0.55) hour and 0.3238 respectively. The 90% CI for the test and reference drugs were found within the acceptance range of 80-125%. In conclusion, PRONEX™ is bioequivalent to NEXIUM ™ in terms of absorption. KYAMC Journal Vol. 4, No.-1, July 2013, Page 326-330
