Bioadhesive microcapsules of cephalexin, using Eudragit RS/RL coated with polycarbophil or carbopol, were evaluated biopharmaceutically. The GI transit of microcapsules in rats was studied. Bioadhesive microcapsules coated with polycarbophil or carbopol were shown to have substantially longer GI transit time than Eudragit RS/RL microcapsule. The delay in transit time was due to bioadhesion of the polymer to the mucin-epithelial cell surface which was clearly observable on animal autopsy. Plasma drug levels in rabbits showed that bioadhesive microcapsules resulted in a longer duration of action and greater bioavailability than other microcapsule or drug powder. Thus, the principle of bioadhesion can significantly improve therapy, due to a reduced rate of gastric emptying, an increase in contact time, and the intimacy of contact of the drug with the absorbing membrane.