Transmucosal transport of tobramycin incorporated in SLN after duodenal administration to rats. Part I--a pharmacokinetic study.

Tobramycin-loaded solid lipid nanospheres (SLN) were prepared and administered to rats into the duodenum; their behaviour was compared to that of tobramycin-loaded SLN administered intravenously (i.v.). A tobramycin control solution was also administered to rats. Tobramycin in solution is not absorbed by the gastrointestinal route, while tobramycin incorporated in the SLN is absorbed. A high concentration of tobramycin is still present in plasma 24 hours after the duodenal administration of tobramycin-loaded SLN. Tobramycin-loaded SLN administered i.v. showed a prolonged circulation time compared to the i.v. administered tobramycin solution. The AUC of tobramycin in SLN administered duodenally is higher than those of tobramycin in SLN and in solution administered i.v. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.