Nasal absorption of nifedipine from polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400, aqueous Carbopol gel and Carbopol-PEG gel was investigated with the aim of obtaining high bioavailability and prolonged action. Nasal administration of nifedipine in PEG resulted in rapid absorption and high maximum concentration (C _max). However, the elimination of nifedipine from plasma was very rapid. Nifedipine plasma concentration after nasal administration of nifedipine in aqueous Carbopol gel was very low. On the other hand, Carbopol-PEG gel (containing 50% w/v PEG) showed a relatively high nifedipine concentration and a prolonged action.