Hollow type suppositories inserted polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel capsule containing propranolol·HCI (PPH) were prepared using different bases, polyethylene glycol (PEG), Witepsol H-15 (WH-15) and Witepsol W-35 (WW-35) to improve the controlled release of PPH. The release of PPH from the hollow type suppository inserted PVA hydrogel capsule was retarded than that from PEG, WH-15, or WW-35 hollow type suppositories in rat rectal cavity. When the suppositories were administered to rats, the controlled release of PPH was proved by the plasma concentration-time-profiles of PPH. No significant difference (p〈0.05) among the three different hollow type suppositories was observed in terms of AUC and MRT of PPH. WH-15 hollow type suppository inserted 12% of PVA hydrogel capsule caused irritation to rat rectal mucosa. However, the WH-15 hollow type suppository inserted PVA hydrogel capsule caused no severe irritation on rectal mucosa. The application of the hollow type suppositories using PVA in sustained rectal delivery of drugs might be feasible.