The pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of cephalexin in healthy volunteers

The comparative pharmacokinetic and bioavailability profile of two different formulations of cephalexin was investigated in 18 healthy volunteers after oral administration of 500 mg tablets as single doses. Irrespective of the formulation use, the drug was absorbed from the igastrointestinal tract; peak levels of about 18 mcg/ml were detected within 1.5 h. All kinetc parameters showed considerable interindividual variability but with no significant difference between two formulations. On the basis of the results of this study, the two formulation can be considered bioequivalent and, therefore, interchangeble from a therapeutical point of view.