Flurbiprofen concentration in soft tissues is higher after topical application than after oral administration

• Published in: British journal of clinical pharmacology Vol. 75; no. 3; pp. 799 - 804
• Main Authors: Kai, Shuken, Kondo, Eiji, Kawaguchi, Yasuyuki, Kitamura, Nobuto, Yasuda, Kazunori
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.03.2013
• Subjects: Adipose Tissue - metabolism; Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal - pharmacokinetics; Biological Availability; Female; flurbiprofen; Flurbiprofen - pharmacokinetics; Humans; Male; Muscles - metabolism; Periosteum - metabolism; Pharmacokinetics; plasma concentration; Tendons - metabolism; tissue concentration; Tissue Distribution; topical application; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0306-5251; 1365-2125
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2012.04394.x

Aim To compare tissue concentrations of flurbiprofen resulting from topical application and oral administration according to the regulatory approved dosing guidelines. Method Sixteen patients were included in this study. Each patient was randomly assigned to the topical application or oral administration group. In each group, a pair of tapes or a tablet, containing a total of 40 mg flurbiprofen, was administered twice at 16 and 2 h before the surgery. Results The flurbiprofen concentration in the fat, tendon, muscle and periosteum tissues was significantly higher (P < 0.0330) after topical application (992 ng g−1 [95% CI 482, 1503], 944 [95% CI 481, 1407], 492 [95% CI 248, 735], and 455 [95% CI 153, 756], respectively) than after oral administration (150 ng g−1 [95% CI 84, 217], 186 [95% CI 118, 254], 82 [95% CI 49, 116],and 221 [95% CI, 135, 307], respectively). Conclusion Topical application is an effective method to deliver flurbiprofen to the human body, particularly to soft tissues near the body surface.