Bioequivalence study of two tablet formulations of sildenafil.

This study was conducted in order to assess the bioequivalence of two tablet formulations containing 100 mg sildenafil (1-[4-ethoxy-3-(6,7-dihydro-1-,ethyl-7-oxo-3-propyl-1H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)phenylsulphonyl] -4-methyl piperazine, CAS 139755-83-2). Twenty-eight healthy subjects were enrolled in a single-centre, randomised, single-dose, open-label, 2-way crossover study, with a minimum washout period of 7 days. Plasma samples were collected up to 18.0 h postdosing. Sildenafil levels were determined by reverse liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS/MS). Pharmacokinetic parameters used for bioequivalence assessment [area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to time of last non-zero concentration (AUC(last)) and maximum observed concentration (C(max)) were main evaluation criteria; however, the area under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC(inf)) was also analysed] were determined from the sildenafil concentration data using non-compartmental analysis. The 90% confidence intervals (obtained by analysis of variance, ANOVA) were 86.70-108.19 for C(max), 86.67-99.26 for AUC(last) and 87.19-99.82 for AUC(inf) within the predefined ranges. Bioequivalence between the two formulations was concluded both in terms of rate and extent of absorption.