Abstract
Objective:
The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics
of entecavir (CAS 142217-69-4) from dispersible tablets.
Methods:
In an open-label, two-way crossover study, 12 healthy Chinese volunteers randomly
received a single oral dose of 1 mg entecavir dispersible tablets under fasted and
fed conditions. Blood samples were collected and determined for pharmacokinetic analyses.
A solid phase extraction for sample preparation and a LC/MS method were developed
and validated for determination of entecavir in human plasma.
Results:
The absorption of entecavir from dispersible tablets was altered significantly with
food intake, as evidenced by a decrease in Cmax of 63%, a decrease in AUC0–t of 22%, and a delay in Tmax of 1.5 h. The calibration curve was linear from 0.2 to 25 ng/mL, with a lower limit
of quantitation (LLOQ) of 0.2 ng/mL.
Conclusion:
Food intake has an obvious effect on the absorption of entecavir from dispersible
tablets. It is better to take entecavir dispersible tablets on an empty stomach.
Key words
Antiviral agents - CAS 142217-69-4 - Entecavir, dispersible tablets, food effects,
pharmacokinetics