Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Targeting the Rat's Small Bowel: Long-Term Infusion into the Superior Mesenteric Artery
Published on: April 8, 2021
Amitriptyline absorption in a patient with short bowel syndrome
1Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, New York 14621-3095, USA.
Abstract:
Oral drug therapy in patients with short bowel syndrome can be quite challenging. We report the case of a 40-yr-old woman with short bowel syndrome and depression requiring antidepressant drug therapy. After buccal administration of amitriptyline, therapeutic serum antidepressant concentrations were attained despite the patient having only 18 inches of proximal small bowel. Clinical improvement in mood was seen, with the only drug side effects being dry mouth and bitter drug taste. Buccal absorption likely is playing a major role in attaining therapeutic serum tricyclic antidepressants drug concentrations.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Drug Absorption: Factors Affecting GI Absorption
In...
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Disease States and Pharmacology
Substances such as alcohol and specific drugs, including antineoplastics, can also negatively impact drug absorption. For instance,...
Methods for Studying Drug Absorption: In situ
The Doluisio method involves perfusing a prepared segment of a rat's small intestine with a solution of radiolabeled drug and a non-absorbable marker. This helps to differentiate between absorbed and non-absorbed drug concentrations. The intestinal segment is connected at both ends using tubing and syringes,...

