Tolerability and pharmacokinetics of non-fixed and fixed combinations of artesunate and amodiaquine in Malaysian healthy normal volunteers.
Abstract
Objective: There is limited pharmacokinetic data available for the combination artesunate + amodiaquine, which is used widely to treat uncomplicated malaria. This study examines the bioavailability and tolerability of a fixed (200 mg artesunate + 540 mg amodiaquine) and loose (200 mg+612 mg) combination with a 2×2 cross-over design in 24 healthy volunteers.
Methods: Parent compounds and metabolites [dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and desethylamodiaquine (DEAQ)] were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography– electrochemical detection, and the area under the curve (AUC)<sub>0-t</sub> and C<sub>max</sub> were compared by an analysis of variance (ANOVA) based on geometric least square means using the Schuirmann two one-sided test.
Results: The AUC<sub>0-t</sub> for total DHA and DEAQ were 1522 ± 633 and 30021 ± 14211 ng h/ml for the fixed products and 1688 ± 767 and 40261 ± 19824 ng h/ml (mean ± standard deviation) for the loose products. The ANOVA showed no statistical differences except for sequence effect for DHA. The values obtained with the fixed product were within the 125% bioequivalent limits but extended below the 80% bioequivalence limits.
Conclusion: Both combinations were well tolerated and had comparable pharmacokinetic profiles; differences are unlikely to be clinically relevant.
Citation
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology (2009) 65 (8), 809–821 [DOI:10.1007/s00228-009-0656-1].
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