[Comparative bioavailability study of two formulations of risperidone available in the Chilean market].

Background: Bioavailability of a particular drug can vary according to the formulation used. Therefore, studies of comparative bioavailability of different formulations of a same drug are worthwhile.

Aim: To compare the bioavailability of two risperidone formulations available in the Chilean market.

Material And Methods: The bioavailability of a local risperidone formulation (Spiron) was compared with the original formulation of the drug (Risperdal) in 12 healthy volunteers, aged 19 +/- 1 years. A single dose of 3 mg was given orally, using a randomized double blind protocol in two periods. Fifteen blood samples were obtained at regular intervals, until 24 h after drug administration. Risperidone plasma levels were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography. pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a computer program that is independent of compartmental analysis.

Results: The area under the curve of plasma concentration versus time, from 0 to infinite (ABC0-infinity) and from 0 to 24 h (ABC0-24), early exposure (ABC from 0 to maximal time) and maximal plasma concentrations were significantly lower for Spiron. Half life time and time to achieve the maximal concentration were similar for the two formulations.

Conclusions: According to bioequivalence tests suggested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States (90% confidence interval for the difference of long transformed mean pharmacokinetic parameters), the formulations Risperdal and Spiron, cannot be considered interchangeable.