Plasma levels of tegafur following implantation of polycarbonate pellets containing tegafur or FD-1 into rats.

Abstract

The possible use of poly (ethylene carbonate) and poly (propylene carbonate) pellets for sustained release of 5-fluorouracil derivatives (tegafur and FD-1) has been examined in vivo. Plasma levels of tegafur following implantation of the polycarbonate pellets into the rat peritoneal cavity were determined by high pressure liquid chromatography. Sustained release of the drug was obtained over 50d following implantation of poly (propylene carbonate) pellets containing 40% FD-1. Plasma level profiles in vivo were compared with release profiles in vitro. Plasma level profiles with multiple peaks were observed following implantation of FD-1 in poly (propylene carbonate) pellets and tegafur in poly (ethylene carbonate) pellets.