Enhancement of lymphatic transport of 1-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil by polyacrylic acid aqueous gel and emulsion type suppositories in rats.

1-(2-Tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil (FT-207) concentrations in lymph and plasma were measured after rectal administration of three types of suppositories containing FT-207. The suppositories used in this study were prepared from polyacrylic acid aqueous gel bases, emulsion type bases and a commercial fat base, witepsol w-35. Both aqueous gel and emulsion type suppositories were superior to the suppositories from witepsol with regard to FT-207 concentration in lymph and plasma. The addition of aqueous gel to the polyacrylic acid aqueous gel was found to be effective for the lymph transport from the aqueous gels. Polyacrylic acid aqueous gel containing 1% glycyrrhizin was better than other suppositories. Solidification of the emulsion type bases are also investigated, and it is suggested that these may be better substitutes of the oily suppository.