Effects of various absorption promoters on pulmonary absorption of drugs with different molecular weights

The effects of various absorption promoters on the pulmonary absorption of drugs with different molecular weights were examined in rats. Phenol red and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextrans (FDs) with various molecular weights were used as model drugs and the absorption promoters used in this study were sodium glycocholate, sodium salicylate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (Na2-EDTA) and sodium caprate, all at a concentration of 1%. Of these absorption promoters, sodium glycocholate and sodium caprate appeared to be more effective for enhancing the pulmonary absorption of these drugs than sodium salicylate and Na2-EDTA. Furthermore, it was indicated that there is the optimal molecular weight to which each absorption promoter gives the largest enhancing effect on the pulmonary absorption of drugs.