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

Abstract

To compare tissue concentrations of flurbiprofen resulting from topical application and oral administration according to the regulatory approved dosing guidelines. 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. 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). Topical application is an effective method to deliver flurbiprofen to the human body, particularly to soft tissues near the body surface.