To evaluate the intestinal permeability of poorly water-soluble compounds, it is of importance to completely dissolve them in a medium and to avoid precipitation during experiments. This study was undertaken to find an agent possessing a high-solubilizing capacity and exhibiting minimal modulating impact on membrane integrity and absorption systems such as passive diffusion and carrier-mediated permeation. Phenytoin dissolution was compared in the presence of seven solubilizing agents at concentrations of 1, 2, or 5% using a centrifugation method. The capacity to dissolve phenytoin was great in beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin, followed by Tween 80. Those of methanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl acetoamide, and polyethylene glycol 400 were much lower than expected. One percent beta-CD did not alter the absorption of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4,000 or the release of protein and lactate dehydrogenase into in situ loop contents, suggesting that 1% beta-CD had no significant impact on the integrity of the intestinal membrane. One percent beta-CD also did not alter the absorption of caffeine, ceftibuten, or rhodamine 123 from in situ jejunal loops, indicating no interference with passive diffusion and active transports mediated by a peptide transporter and P-glycoprotein. In conclusion, 1% beta-CD is a suitable solubilizing agent for evaluating in situ intestinal absorption of poorly water-soluble compounds.