Bioavailability of enteric-coated sodium fluoride tablets as affected by the administration of calcium supplements at different time intervals.

The gastrointestinal absorption of enteric-coated (EC) tablets of sodium fluoride (NaF) with respect to different time schedules of administration of calcium supplements in solution was tested. It was found that the simultaneous administration of these two medications under these formulations did not interfere with fluoride absorption. The calcium was also well absorbed as shown by the rise in serum ionized calcium concentration. Other schedules were studied as well, such as EC NaF tablets taken 1 hour after or 3 hours before the administration of calcium supplements. No superiority was shown, on the contrary, compared with the simultaneous administration of both medications. It was concluded that EC tablets of NaF and calcium supplements in solution can be provided simultaneously to enhance compliance.