Bioequivalence among three methods of administering pantoprazole granules in healthy subjects

Abstract

Purpose: The bioequivalence among three methods of administering pantoprazole granules was studied in healthy subjects.

Methods: In this randomized, open-label, three-period, crossover study, 25 healthy adults received a single 40-mg dose of pantoprazole granules with applesauce orally, with apple juice orally, and with apple juice administered via a nasogastric tube. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of six treatment sequences. Blood samples were collected within 2 hours before treatment administration on study day 1 and at 0.33, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, and 24 hours after treatment administration. Plasma pantoprazole concentrations were analyzed by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The plasma pantoprazole concentration-time data for each subject were analyzed using noncompartmental methods. The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for the test:reference geometric mean ratio were calculated for the peak pantoprazole concentration (C(max) ) and area under the concentration-time curve (AUC).

Results: Of the 25 subjects enrolled, 100% completed the study. The mean C(max) and AUC values were similar for the three administration methods. The 90% CIs for the ratios of the geometric means of the granules in apple juice orally (92.4-112.5%) and in apple juice administered through a nasogastric tube (102.7-125.2%), relative to the granules administered with applesauce orally, were essentially within the bioequivalent limits of 80-125%. No serious adverse events or study discontinuations occurred.

Conclusion: Three methods of administering pantoprazole delayed-release granules for oral suspension-with apple juice orally, with applesauce orally, and with apple juice through a nasogastric tube--were bioequivalent in healthy subjects.