Bioavailability of Phenytoin Following Oral Administration of Phenytoin-lipid Conjugates to Rats

Abstract

Abstract The bioavailability of phenytoin was evaluated in rats upon oral administration of phenytoin-lipid conjugates obtained by covalent binding of 3-hydroxymethylphenytoin to 1,3-dimyristoylglyceride via a succinidyl linkage, to 2-(1,3-dimyristoyl-2-glyceryl)butyric acid and to 3-myristoyloxy-2-myristoyloxy-methylpropionic acid. Despite differences of the phenytoin plasma concentrations all three compounds approximately doubled the AUC compared with the dosing of phenytoin itself. The early onset and the long duration of the anticonvulsant activity after administration of the triglyceride-derived conjugate could be correlated to the increased phenytoin plasma levels. It is concluded that drug-lipid conjugates may be useful prodrugs for the oral delivery of poorly watersoluble drugs.