Colonic absorption of acetylsalicylic acid in the rat

Aspirin is absorbed in the colon by passive diffusion to a significant degree in spite of the alkaline pH of the colonic lumen. Aspirin absorption by the colon is enhanced by increasing the hydrogen ion concentration. Butyric acid, by markedly reducing the absorption rate of aspirin, may be partially responsible for the unpredictable absorption of rectally administered aspirin. The addition of glycerol to aspirin preparations does not hinder the absorption of aspirin by the colon.