Absorption rate and bioavailability of valproic acid and its sodium salt from rectal dosage forms

Summary

Rectal and oral absorption of valproic acid and its sodium salt by man were compared to explore the possibility of rectal administration of the drug. The plasma concentration of valproic acid was measured by gas chromatography after a single oral dose of sodium valproate 600 mg, and after single rectal doses of sodium valproate 600 mg and valproic acid 520 mg, in a cross-over study in 7 volunteers. The rectal dosage forms included fatty suppositories and aqueous solutions. Compared with oral administration, rectal absorption of sodium valproate from an aqueous micro-enema was fast and complete. The free acid was absorbed more rapidly from fatty suppositories than was the sodium salt. The absorption rate from the rectum increased with the dose of valproic acid. Both findings are consistent with a diffusion — absorption mechanism based on the pH-partition hypothesis. Differences in the chemical composition of the fatty suppository base were not reflected in differences in absorption rate and relative bioavailability. No essential difference in absorption rate was observed if volunteers remained lying or sitting during the experiment. Rectal dosing with valproic acid 520 mg dissolved in 4 ml suppositories, twice a day resulted in steady-state plasma concentrations of 50 to 100 µg · ml⁻¹, within the therapeutic range.