Shen_2011_Pharmazie_66_590

The bioequivalence of two brands of rivastigmine capsules, of different salt forms, was demonstrated in six healthy beagle dogs after a single oral dose in a randomized cross-over study. Reference (Rivastigmine hydrochloride, Sunve, CN) and test (Rivastigmine tartrate, Novartis, CH) products were administered to fasting beagles on two treatment days separated by a two-day washout period; blood samples were collected at specified time intervals, and the plasma was separated and analyzed for rivastigmine using a validated GC-MS method. The pharmacokinetic parameters AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity), C(max), T(max) and t1/2 were compared statistically to evaluate bioequivalence between the two brands, using the statistical modules recommended by the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) of China. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) did not show any significant difference between the two formulations and 90% confidence intervals fell within the acceptable ranges for bioequivalence. Based on these statistical inferences it was concluded that the two brands exhibited comparable pharmacokinetic profiles and that Sanwei's Rivastigmine hydrochloride was bioequivalent to Rivastigmine tartrate of Novartis, CH.