Oral and rectal nalbuphine bioavailability: first-pass metabolism in rats and dogs.

The disposition of the narcotic antagonist/analgesic nalbuphine after i.v., oral, and rectal dosing was evaluated in rats and dogs. In both species nalbuphine had high systemic clearance and low oral bioavailability as a result of extensive first-pass metabolism. Administration to a closed 2 cm length of rectum in rats resulted in complete bioavailability; first-pass metabolism was circumvented. However, the extent of first-pass metabolism increased when the dose was not restricted to the lower rectum. Rectal nalbuphine bioavailability in dogs from a solution or three suppository formulations was low and equivalent to oral bioavailability. This was probably because of upward spreading of the dose and subsequent first-pass metabolism. Sodium salicylate, which has been shown to improve rectal absorption of other drugs, did not affect nalbuphine bioavailability rectally.