The effect of food and tablet formulation on plasma prednisolone levels following administration of enteric-coated tablets

Abstract

1 Plasma prednisolone levels have been compared following the administration of enteric-coated prednisolone to fasted and non-fasted subjects. The effect on plasma levels of altering the formulation of the enteric-coating has also been studied. 2 The presence of food in the stomach at the time of administration does not affect the absorption of enteric-coated prednisolone tablets. 3 There was considerable inter-subject variation in plasma prednisolone levels after administration of shellac based enteric-coated tablets. However, plasma levels were more consistent when a preparation whose formulation was based upon cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) was given. 4 It is concluded that the pattern of absorption and plasma prednisolone levels depend on the formulation of the enteric coating. The bioavailability of the CAP based preparation is similar to that of plain prednisolone.