Comparative pharmacokinetic evaluation of glimepiride orodispersable and conventional tablets in rabbits

ObjectivesGlimepiride Orodispersable Tablets (ODT) were prepared with the goal to have rapid onset of action and higher bioavailability with ease administration to individuals with swallowing difficulty to ameliorate patient compliance.SignificanceGlimepiride is a contemporary hypoglycemic medication that belongs to the family of sulfonylurea derivatives. It is used in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Compliance adherence remains one of the limitations with the conventional drug delivery system especially in pediatric, geriatric, psychiatric, and traveling patients, for such population ODT provides a good alternate dosage form compared with Commercial Tablets.MethodThe Comparative in vivo pharmacokinetic parameters of the prepared ODT and conventional tablets (CT) were evaluated using an animal model. The plasma concentration of Glimepiride after oral administration of a single dose was determined at predetermined time intervals with HPLC. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using PK Solutions 2.0 from Summit PK (R) software.ResultsThe Cmax obtained with ODT (22.08 mu g/ml) was significantly (p = 0.006) high, a lower tmax of 3.0 hr was achieved with the orodispersable formulation of the drug. The ODT showed 104.34% relative bioavailability as compared to CT and left shift of tmax as well.ConclusionAs per findings of the in vivo investigation, the Glimepiride ODT would be beneficial in terms of patient compliance, quick onset of action, and increased bioavailability.