The rabbit as an experimental model for biopharmaceutical studies following rectal administration of theophylline
Van Aerde, P.; Moerman, E.; Van Severen, R.; Braeckman, P.
Die Pharmazie 39(3): 171-172
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-7144 PMID: 6728890 Document Number: 221699
In order to find a suitable animal model for biopharmaceutical studies after rectal application of theophylline, the pharmacokinetics of theophylline following the administration in rabbits of three different rectal preparations were examined and compared with those of the oral and i. v. route. No significant formulation related impact from the studied rectal dosage forms on the bioavailability of the drug was found. However, the unexpected rapid achievement of peak serum concentration after insertion of the suppository lacked any correlation with human experiments. It was concluded that the evaluation of rectal theophylline medication for man cannot directly be based on the data obtained from rabbits.