Preparation and evaluation of double-phased mucoadhesive suppositories of lidocaine utilizing Carbopol and white beeswax.

In an attempt to restrict drug absorption from suppositories to only the lower rectum, mucoadhesive lidocaine (LID) suppositories were prepared using Witepsol H-15 as a base, and Carbopol 934P (CP) and white beeswax (WAX) as additives. CP has a mucoadhesive property and WAX gives the suppositories stiffness. The suppositories containing 10% CP and 20% WAX stayed in the lower recta of rats for at least 2 h. Double-phased suppositories consisting of a front layer containing 10% CP and 20% WAX and a terminal layer containing LID and various amounts of CP were prepared. In vitro release profiles of LID from double-phased suppositories were similar to conventional single-phased suppositories containing CP alone. Values of AUC(0-6 h) and MRT of LID after administration of double-phased suppositories to rabbits were larger than those for single-phased suppositories with or without CP. On the other hand, the initial plasma metabolites concentrations after administration of double-phased suppositories were significantly lower and tended to exhibit delayed T(max) compared to single-phased suppositories. These results suggest that the double-phased mucoadhesive suppositories suppress initial metabolism of LID, and may be useful for improving bioavailabilities of drugs, like LID, which accept first-pass effect considerably.