PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF EUDRAGIT GELS .4. RECTAL GEL PREPARATIONS FOR SUSTAINED-RELEASE AND AVOIDANCE OF 1ST-PASS METABOLISM OF PROPENTOFYLLINE

Formulations of a high-viscosity acrylic resin gel (Eudispert hv) containing propentofylline, a new cerebral microcirculation-improving agent, were prepared and tested for avoidance of the first-pass metabolism of propentofylline through the liver and for sustained release of propentofylline. The absolute bioavailability of propentofylline after oral administration was only 4% in rabbits. The relative bioavailabilities of propentofylline from polyethylene glycol (M(r), 2000) and Witepsol H-15 suppositories were approximately 8- and 16-fold, respectively, compared with oral administration. Furthermore, the absolute bioavailability of propentofylline from Eudispert hv hydrogel and xerogel preparations was approximately 100%. The results indicate that, in principle, drug loss caused by first-pass metabolism may be avoided completely by placing Eudispert hv hydrogel and xerogel formulations in the lower part of the rectum for long periods.