Methylphenidate Multiphasic Release Tablet: Bioequivalence Assessment between Two Formulations Administered under Fasting and Fed Conditions

Abstract

Methylphenidate hydrochloride is used to treat children, adolescents, and adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Multiphasic release formulation has been used to control drug levels, mainly during children's school period. This study aimed to evaluate the bioequivalence between two methylphenidate hydrochloride extended-release tablets to meet regulatory requirements for registration in Brazil. Two independent studies (under fasting and fed conditions) designed as open-label, randomized, single-dose, two-period, two-way crossover trials were conducted in healthy subjects of both genders. Subjects were enrolled and randomly received a single dose of the test formulation methylphenidate hydrochloride 54 mg extended-release tablet (Consiv^®, Adium S.A., São Paulo, Brazil) or the reference formulation (Concerta^®, Janssen-Cilag Farmacêutica Ltd., São Paulo, Brazil), in each period, with a 7-day washout interval. Serial blood samples were collected up to 24 h post dose and methylphenidate plasma concentrations were obtained using a validated LC-MS/MS method. A total of 96 healthy subjects were enrolled in the fasting study, of which 80 completed the study. For the fed study, 52 healthy subjects were enrolled, and 46 subjects completed it. In both studies, 90% confidence intervals for Cmax, AUC_0-t, AUC_0-inf, and partial AUCs were within the acceptable limits of 80.00 to 125.00%. Thus, according to regulatory requirements, the test formulation (Consiv^®) was considered to be bioequivalent to the reference formulation (Concerta^®) in both conditions (fasting and fed) and, therefore, it can be considered interchangeable in clinical practice. Both formulations were safe and well tolerated in single-dose administration.

Keywords: attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); bioavailability; bioequivalence; extended-release; methylphenidate; pharmacokinetics.

Figure 1

MPH plasma concentrations vs time curves after administration of test and reference formulations in healthy subjects under the fasting condition. Data are presented as mean and SD values (N = 80, healthy male and nonpregnant female subjects). The green dotted lines illustrate the intervals where the partial areas under the curve were calculated.

Figure 2

MPH plasma concentrations vs time curves after administration of test and reference formulations in healthy subjects under the fed condition. Data are present as mean and SD values (N = 46, healthy male and nonpregnant female subjects). The green dotted lines illustrate the intervals where the partial areas under the curve were calculated.