Modeling drug absorption from enteric-coated granules

A system-approach-based method is proposed for modeling drug absorption fro m enteric-coated granules. This method was e,exemplified using enteric-coat ed granules of aspirin given to healthy subjects. Based on the results obta ined, it can be concluded that absorption of salicylate from the granules c an be sufficiently described using a first-order linear model with an absor ption rate constant of salicylate similar to that reported for an aqueous s olution of aspirin administered orally to healthy subjects. The method prop osed in this study. may contribute to the working library of modeling techn iques in pharmacokinetics since it allows direct modeling of the drug absor ption process and estimates the absorption rate constant of a drug when its behavior in the body is significantly influenced by a gastric emptying pro cess, i.e., when the absorption rate constant of the drug cannot be estimat ed on the basis of its cumulative absorption-time profile. (C) 2001 Prous S cience. All right reserved.