Evaluation of two buflomedil tablet formulations in patients with atherosclerotic disease.

The bioequivalence of a 600-mg methocel tablet containing buflomedil hydrochloride in sustained-release form was determined relative to a 300-mg CAP/carbovax-coated tablet of buflomedil hydrochloride in immediate-release form. The tablets were given to 20 patients in a double-blind placebo- controlled clinical study with cross-over between the administration plans. The 300-mg tablets were given b.i.d., at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. while the 600-mg tablets were taken once a day at 8 a.m. (+placebo at 8 p.m.). Plasma samples were collected at appropriate times up to 24 h after administration and were analysed for buflomedil with a validated high-performance liquid chromatographic procedure. Results showed an overall significant mean difference in absorption rate between the two formulations. The mean t(max) (5.5 ± 3.5 h) for the 600-mg tablet was longer (P<0.001) than the t(max) value (1.8 ± 0.8 h) seen after administration of the first 300-mg tablet. Analysis of AUC((O-∞)) values indicated that the sustained-release preparation (32.1 ± 20.7 μg/ml h) was not significantly different from the 300-mg tablet b.i.d. (28.7 ± 16.0 μg/ml h). Furthermore, it was seen that single administration of a 600-mg sustained-release tablet of buflomedil hydrochloride delivered the same amount of total drug as a 300-mg tablet given twice a day.