Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of hydromorphone: effect of various routes of administration

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of hydromorphone following various routes of administration, i.e., intravenous, oral, intranasal, and transdermal, were investigated in rabbits. Hydromorphone plasma concentrations were determined by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Comparison of area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) between intravenous and oral administrations showed a low bioavailability of hydromorphone after oral administration. The nasal absorption of hydromorphone was studied by the in situ nasal recirculation technique, and the results showed that hydromorphone is well absorbed from the nasal mucosa. The transdermal permeation of hydromorphone was also evaluated for 24 hr and a steady-state plasma concentration (0.135 micrograms/ml) was achieved during the 6- to 24-hr periods following the application of a transdermal patch on the inner pinna of the rabbit's ear.