A pharmacokinetic study in man has been made of a new dosage form of diclofenac hydroxyethylpyrrolidine (DIEP); soluble salt packed in sachets was compared with diclofenac sodium as enteric coated tablets.
Oral DIEP 2×50 mg showed a significant difference in absorption kinetics (ka, lag time and tmax) as compared to oral diclofenac sodium 2×50 mg. A relevant plasma concentration of diclofenac was detected just 15 min after DIEP, while diclofenac sodium produced a measurable plasma concentration only 0.5–1 h after the treatment. Cmax and t1/2 after DIEP and diclofenac sodium were comparable. Comparison of the two AUC values showed that DIEP was bioequivalent to diclofenac sodium (Q=100%).
Key words diclofenac - oral administration - bioavailability - healthy subjects - diclofenac hydroxyethylpyrrolidine