Evaluation of the clearance of a sublingual buprenorphine spray in the beagle dog using gamma scintigraphy.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate clearance from the buccal cavity and pharmacokinetic profiles of a sublingual spray formulation in the dog, to assist in interpretation of future pharmacokinetic studies.

Methods: Radiolabelled buprenorphine in a spray formulation (400 microg/100 microl in 30% ethanol) was administered sublingually to four beagle dogs, and the residence in the oral cavity was determined using gamma scintigraphy. Pharmacokinetic sampling was performed to facilitate correlation of location of dose with significant pharmacokinetic events.