The relative distribution of verapamil and its demethylated metabolite, norverapamil, was studied in rats at intervals after intraperitoneal injection of the parent drug (30 mg/kg). This route of drug administration simulated oral drug dosing, and the highest concentrations of both unchanged drug and metabolite were found in the liver, with lung and kidney containing most of the remainder. The rates of disappearance of verapamil from various organs followed first-order kinetics, and the most rapid elimination occurred from brain and liver. In contrast, verapamil was given intravenously to 3 dogs by a bolus-infusion method to produce sustained steady state plasma concentrations (80, 140, 250 ng/ml) for 1, 2, and 3 h. After systemic administration, the lungs contained almost half the tissue verapamil and, 20% was found in kidney, with the liver accounting for only 17%. Norverapamil was not found in plasma or brain. These studies contrast the pattern of tissue distribution of verapamil after different routes of drug administration. The variable rates of drug elimination from specific tissues may explain the differing durations of the drug's observed effects.