The influences of sodium chloride, polyethylene glycol 4000 and 20000 on 5-fluorouracil release from disk type silicone polymer devices were examined in isotonic phosphate buffer. These water soluble cosolvent and sodium chloride caused devices to swell in aqueous media. Sodium chloride exerted the greatest influence on drug release. The addition of water soluble cosolvent or sodium chloride to silicone polymeric devices permitted controlled release of 5-fluorouracil, presumably due to the change of the physical microstructure of silicone network, and the solubility and diffusivity of 5-fluorouracil. It seemed that the water soluble drug was released through the hydrophilic pores or pathways formed in the device by the incorporation of a water soluble cosolvent or sodium chloride.