Study on evaluation of bioavailability of rifampicin in mixed antituberculous drug with 2 and 3 components available in Vietnam

ABSTRACT

Comparative bioavailability study of rifampicin from 2-FDC and 3- FDC with standard separate tablets at the same dose level was conducted in 12 healthy volunteers. The study was designed as a cross-over experiment with a washout period of 1 week. Bioavailability of rifampicin was estimated by plasma concentration of rifampicin from Oh to 24h after dosed. Plasma rifampicin concentration was determined by HPLC method. The results revealed that Cmax and AVC for rifampicin in 2-FDC and 3FDC formulation were lower (but Tmax were higher) than the standard separate formulations. It was concluded that FDC tablets are of poor relative bioavailabity of rifampicin. The implication for National Tuberculosis Programme is extremely serious and warrants urgent attention