PHARMACOKINETICS AND PHARMACODYNAMICS OF 2 ORAL FORMULATIONS OF METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE

Metformin hydrochloride is frequently used to treat diabetes mellitus. The bioequivalence of two pharmaceutical formulations of metformin hy drochloride, Glucomet(R) and Glucophage(R) (both in 850-mg tablets) wa s assessed in 12 healthy male volunteers. Both products were given ora lly on two occasions separated by a 1-week washout period. Blood sampl es were taken for 12 hours following drug administration, and plasma m etformin concentrations were measured by high-pressure liquid chromato graphy. Blood sugar levels were also determined after each treatment. No significant difference in the rate of oral absorption of metformin was noted between products, based on standard pharmacokinetic paramete rs. Glucomet and Glucophage are bioequivalent and produced similar pha rmacologic effects, including reductions in blood sugar levels.