THE EFFECT OF FOOD ON THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRANSIT AND SYSTEMIC ABSORPTION OF NAPROXEN FROM A NOVEL SUSTAINED-RELEASE FORMULATION

The in vivo behaviour of a novel sustained release formulation of napr oxen was investigated using gamma scintigraphy in eight healthy male v olunteers under fasted and fed conditions. Disintegration of the table t into discrete sustained release pellets occurred in the stomach shor tly after administration. Feeding resulted in a lag time prior to the onset of gastric emptying but food did not affect transit through the small intestine. Post-prandial administration of the sustained release formulation did not affect the disintegration of the tablet or the bi oavailability of the drug.