INFLUENCE OF ETHANOL ON GASTRIC ABSORPTION AND METABOLISM OF ALBENDAZOLE AND MEBENDAZOLE

The effect of ethanol administration on gastric absorption in rats of two benzimidazole derivatives has been studied. The ethanol administra tion was carried out as both acute (5%, 10% and 15% w/v of ethanol in the perfusion solution), and chronic (15, 30 and 120 days) forms. Two benzimidazole derivatives were used: albendazole (ABZ) and mebendazole (MBZ). The administration of ethanol did not affect the kinetic mecha nism of the absorption process (simple diffusion) but the absorption r ate decreased in all treatments except in 5% acute ethanol, presumably due to the improved solubility of the drugs. Plasma, bile and liver l evels after gastric perfusion suggest a possible interference of ethan ol metabolism with drug hepatic metabolism.