A COMPARATIVE-STUDY OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRANSIT OF A PELLET AND TABLET FORMULATION

The gastrointestinal transit of a pellet and tablet formulation were evaluated in a group of 6 subjects using the technique of .gamma.-scintigraphy. Each formulation was labeled with a different radionuclide and the preparations administered concurrently. The transits of the formulations were highly dependent on food intake and there was a good correlation between transit times (gastric emptying, arrival at colon) and the caloric value of the meal taken shortly before dosing. In some cases the pellet system emptied rapidly from the stomach and showed little spreading in the small intestines. [Controlled release dosage forms such as pellet systems and matrix tablets are becoming popular in drug therapy as attempts are being made to extend the biological half-life of certain drugs.].