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 hydrochloride, Glucomet(R) and Glucophage(R) (both in 850-mg tablets) was assessed in 12 healthy male volunteers. Both products were given orally on two occasions separated by a 1-week washout period. Blood samples were taken for 12 hours following drug administration, and plasma metformin concentrations were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. 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 parameters. Glucomet and Glucophage are bioequivalent and produced similar pharmacologic effects, including reductions in blood sugar levels.