The effect of different oils on the absorption of probucol in the rat.

The effect of oily vehicles on the gastrointestinal absorption of the hypocholesterolaemic agent probucol has been investigated in the rat. The plasma concentration was determined following its administration in arachis oil (peanut oil), Miglyol 812 (fractionated coconut oil) and liquid paraffin. The total absorption of the drug, calculated as the area under the plasma concentration time curve, was significantly greater for the arachis oil formulation than with the other vehicles. The drug was selectively absorbed via the lymphatic system, lymph drug concentrations being highest following co-administration of arachis oil.