Intranasal absorption of salmon calcitonin

Eight normal subjects and 4 children with osteogenesis imperfecta were administered salmon calcitonin (S-CT) intranasally, and the pharmacokinetics of S-CT were studied. In the normal subjects, the plasma S-CT concentration showed a dose-dependent increase over a dosage range of 200-400 IU. Maximal plasma concentrations were reached 20-60 min after intranasal administration of S-CT. The plasma calcium concentration was significantly decreased 60 min after the administration. In the children, S-CT was also absorbed through the nasal mucosa. This suggests that nasal spraying may be an efficient method for administration of S-CT.