Abstract: A delayed and sustained release composition of an additive and/or toxic agent such as nicotine is delivered systemically in therapeutic amounts while avoiding the peak plasma levels which gives rise to addiction and/or toxic side effects. The composition is delivered for absorption predominantly from the colon.

Abstract: A solid dosage form, such as a capsule or tablet, containing a pharmacologically active agent is coated with an anionic polymer, which is insoluble in gastric juice and in intestinal juice below pH7 but soluble in colonic intestinal juice, in a sufficient amount that the oral dosage form remains intact until it reaches the colon. The preferred anionic polymer is a partly methyl esterified methacrylic acid polymer in which the ratio of free carboxylic groups to ester groups is about 1:2. The invention has particular application to dosage forms of prednisolone and salts thereof, indomethacin, ibuprofen, and, especially, 5-amino-salicylic acid.

Abstract: A solid dosage form, such as a capsule or tablet, containing a pharmacologically active agent is coated with an anionic polymer, which is insoluble in gastric juice and in intestinal juice below pH7 but soluble in colonic intestinal juice, in a sufficient amount that the oral dosage form remains intact until it reaches the colon. The preferred anionic polymer is a partly methyl esterified methacrylic acid polymer in which the ratio of free carboxylic groups to ester groups is about 1:2. The invention has particular application to dosage forms of prednisolone and salts thereof, indomethacin, ibuprofen, and, especially, 5-amino-salicylic acid.

Abstract: An orally administrable pharmaceutical dosage form for selectively administering a drug to the intestine comprises a plurality of enteric coated granules of the drug contained in an enterically coated capsule which releases the granules in the small intestine. The granules are preferably coated with a coating which remains intact until the coated granules reach at least the ileum and thereafter provide a sustained release of the drug in the colon. Suitable coating materials are selected from the Eudragit range of (meth)acrylate and (meth)acrylic and polymers. The invention has particular application to topically active drugs such as topically active steroids, bismuth salts and complexes, and especially, 5-amino-salicylic acid.

Abstract: Essential Oils (including Arematic Carminatives) and their active components are selectively administered to the intestine to treat irritable colon syndron and other intestinal disorders responsive to treatment with a carminative. The oils are presented in a rectal or, preferably, enteric preparation, especially an enterically coated hard gelatine capsule. Peppermint oil is presently preferred.