MANOVA of statistical moments in biopharmaceutical studies: a numerical example with three equally spaced doses of amoxicillin.

To assess the applicability of statistical moments in biopharmacuetical studies, an urinary excretion trial was conducted with three doses--400, 500, and 600 mg of amoxicillin trihidrate capsules--in 15 healthy volunteers, using a latin square design. The statistical analyses were a two-way MANOVA and a growth curve technique. It was inferred, in the dose range studied, that the amount excreted during the 12 hr following administration, was proportional to dose and that the dose had no effect on either the mean or the variance of the residence time. The calculated minimum significant difference in the amount of amoxicillin excreted was 15% with respect to the mean value.