In vitro release and in vivo serum fluoride levels and urinary excretion after different sodium fluoride tablets.

Various sodium fluoride tablets used for the treatment of osteoporosis were evaluated. The tablets were characterized in vitro by determining the release curves. The serum levels and urinary recovery of fluoride were determined after a single oral dose either of rapidly soluble (conventional), sustained release or enterocoated tablets. The in vivo study showed that administration of sustained release tablets eliminated high serum peaks and prolonged the duration of an elevated serum level as compared to conventional tablets. The biovailability of the fluoride was lower after intake of sustained release and enterocoated tablets, and there was an increase in the interindividual variance of biovailability.