US EPA

5098820 

Journal Article 

Use of a hard gelatin capsule as a rectal dosage form 

Eerikainen, S; Leino, J; Harjula, M; Klinge, E; Marvola, M 

1996 

1 

STP Pharma Sciences
ISSN: 1157-1489 

6 

6 

IPA COPYRIGHT: ASHP The use of a hard gelatin capsule as a dosage form for the rectal administration of ibuprofen was studied in a total of 22 healthy volunteers, ages 21-40 yr, in whom pharmacokinetic parameters were determined for bioavailability studies; the effects of training in the administration of the capsule and the use of mineral oil (liquid paraffin) as a glidant were also studied. The influences of different diluents in the capsule, such as lactose, calcium phosphate dibasic (dicalcium phosphate), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, on the availability of ibuprofen were determined. Results showed that ibuprofen was adequately absorbed after rectal administration via hard gelatin capsules. Training in administration and use of a glidant to facilitate rectal administration played an important role. The type of diluent used markedly affected bioavailability. Capsules containing lactose behaved like immediate release formulations. Those containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose behaved like prolonged release products.