The average normal SITT was about 7 hours as measured in early studies using indirect methods based on the detection of hydrogen after an oral dose of lactulose (fermentation of lactulose by colon bacteria yields hydrogen in the breath). Newer studies using gamma scintigraphy have shown SITT to be about 3–4 hours. Thus a drug may take about 4–8 hours to pass through the stomach and small intestine during the fasting state. During the fed state, SITT may take 8–12 hours. For modified-release or controlleddosage forms, which slowly release the drug over an extended period of time, ...
The average normal SITT was about 7 hours as measured in early studies using indirect methods based on the detection of hydrogen after an oral dose of lactulose (fermentation of lactulose by colon bacteria yields hydrogen in the breath). Newer studies using gamma scintigraphy have shown SITT to be about 3–4 hours. Thus a drug may take about 4–8 hours to pass through the stomach and small intestine during the fasting state. During the fed state, SITT may take 8–12 hours. For modified-release or controlleddosage forms, which slowly release the drug over an extended period of time, the dosage form must stay within a certain segment of the intestinal tract so that the drug contents are released and absorbed before loss of the dosage form in the feces. Intestinal transit is discussed further in relation to the design of sustainedrelease products in Chapter 19.