Influence of salicylate and anaesthesia on the rectal absorption of theophylline in rats.

The effect of sodium salicylate and anaesthesia on the rectal absorption of theophylline was evaluated in rats. Theophylline proved to be slowly but completely absorbed on rectal infusion in conscious rats, compared with intravenous infusion. Pentobarbital anaesthesia did not influence absorption. In contrast to literature data, the results with salicylate showed that rectal absorption of theophylline was not enhanced.