Pilot study of relative bioavailability of two oral formulations of ketoprofen 25 mg in healthy subjects. A fast-dissolving lyophilized tablet as compared to immediate release tablet

The pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen from a fast-dissolving lyophilized tablet ( LT), which need not be swallowed, as compared to an immediate release (IR) tablet as reference after single oral dose ( 25 mg) administration was determined in six healthy subjects aged between 25 - 40 years using a randomized crossover design. In this study, the rate and extent of absorption of ketoprofen were found to be very different after administration of the LT and the IR tablet. The rate of absorption of ketoprofen from LT was significantly faster than that of IR tablet and had significantly higher C-max ( by about 50%) and earlier t(max) ( by 15 min), whereas the extent of absorption expressed by AUC was about 68% higher as compared to the IR tablet. The relative bioavailability (f(rel)) of the LT compared with the IR tablet was 168%. The difference between the two formulations for half-life and MRT were statistically significant ( p < 0.05). The tolerance of the two tested formulations was excellent. Ketoprofen LT remained physically and chemically stable for 12 months at 25 degrees C and 60% relative humidity.