Enhancement of rectal absorption of insulin using salicylates in dogs.

Sodium salicylate and 5-methoxysalicylate both increased the rectal absorption of insulin in dogs when co-administered with insulin in various formulations. Microenema formulations containing 4% gelatin showed the highest insulin bioavailability of the formulations studied whereas microenemas (without gelatin) and suppository formulations were not as effective in enhancing the rectal absorption of insulin.