Dopamine (DA), which is ineffective by oral administration due to first pass metabolism and is usually injected, was administered to dogs via rectal, dermal, buccal and nasal routes. The nasal route had the highest bioavailability and best avoided first pass metabolism. The effects of the addition of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), sodium deoxycholate, POE (6) hydrogenated caster oil (HCO-60) and Azone on the nasal absorption increased bioavailability from 11.7% (control) to about 20%, 35%, 25% and 68%, respectively.Further, with a combination of 2%HPC and 5%Azone, bioavailability was increased to almost the same level as with i.v. administration. At the same time, plasma concentrations were maintained at a high level for more than 7 h. The increase in bioavailability is presumed to be caused by an enhancement in absorption and prolongation of the time DA is retained in the nasal cavity due to Azone and HPC, respectively.