On the absorption of clavulanic acid.

It was not possible to computer fit oral clavulanic acid data using exponential or model equations incorporating a single exponential defining the absorption phase. Using the Loo-Riegelman method three phases of the absorption process became apparent, an initial slow phase, a more rapid phase and a final slow phase, contributing approximately 20, 70, and 5%, respectively, to the overall absorption process. Statistical moment analysis of clavulanic acid data following intravenous and oral solution administration gave mean values for the mean residence time, mean absorption time, and volume of distribution steady-state of 56 min, 43 min, and 14.01, respectively. Weibull analysis of the oral solution data gave mean values for lag-time and mean absorption time of 8 min and 46.8 min, respectively. Administration of clavulanic acid in a capsule formulation increased the lag-time before absorption but had no significant effect on the mean absorption time.