Rectal absorption of ozagrel from a suppository containing its commercial tablet in healthy human subjects

A suppository containing an ozagrel tablet was prepared using Witepsol H-15 as a base, and its rectal absorption was studied in male human volunteers. In comparison, a commercially available ozagrel tablet was administered orally to all the individuals in a cross-over design. After rectal dosing, ozagrel was absorbed rapidly at a Tmax of 0.75 h, and its elimination half-life was longer than after oral dosing. The extent of absorption of ozagrel after both administration routes was similar. However, the bioavailability of the rectal suppository is 92 +/- 37% (mean +/- S.D.; n = 6) relative to the oral tablet. The tablet-containing suppository is easy to prepare, with its content being accurate and reproducible. Thus, the present study suggests that the rectal administration of an ozagrel suppository is a practical and promising alternative to oral administration, especially for patients who cannot take tablets orally. This study demonstrated for the first time the possibility of an ozagrel suppository in human subjects.