ABSTRACT
The effect of insulin [50 u] suppositories containing sodium salicylate [50 mg] without and with 50 mg of either polycarbophil, deoxycholic acid or 50 mg of each on plasma glucose levels of hyperglycemic rabbits was studied. The hypoglycemia of these formulations was determined relative to that produced after s.c. injection of insulin suspension and were 45.6%, 46.7%, 48.2% and 39.5% respectively. Insulin suppositories containing sodium salicylate were effective in reducing plasma glucose levels which steadily decreased and reached 66% of the initial values by the 3rd h.the addition of polycarbophil to insulin suppositories containing sodium salicylate induced faster and higher rate of insulin absorption as indicated by the shorter Tmax and higher Cmax. addition of deoxycholic acid increased non significantly the Tmax MRT, AUC0-7 h of that of insulin suppositories containing sodium salicylate. The incorporation of both polycarbophil and deoxycholic acid in insulin suppositories containing sodium salicylate is not recommended as these additives reduced the Cmax and AUC0-7 h. accordingly, insulin suppositories containing sodium salicylate with and without the addition of polycarbophil or deoxycholic acid may be considered as a good alternative to insulin injection