Simulated acetaminophen overdose: pharmacokinetics and effectiveness of activated charcoal.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the absorption rate of a supratherapeutic dose of acetaminophen elixir and compare the effect of activated charcoal (AC) given at different time intervals on preventing acetaminophen absorption.


METHODS
Randomized, nonblinded, crossover controlled study.


METHODS
A certified regional poison control center.


METHODS
Ten healthy, adult male volunteers from 21 to 39 years old.


METHODS
Each subject received 5 g acetaminophen (elixir) on four occasions: a control phase plus 30 g of AC administered 15, 30, or 120 minutes after acetaminophen. Serum acetaminophen levels were obtained during the control phase only, and 24-hour urine collections were obtained during all four phases.


RESULTS
The highest serum acetaminophen levels were measured 1.4 +/- 0.52 hours after ingestion, and absorption was 97% complete by a mean of 2.05 hours. The administration of AC at 15, 30, and 120 minutes after acetaminophen reduced urinary recovery of acetaminophen and metabolites by 48%, 44%, and 33%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
AC significantly reduces urinary recovery but not absorption of acetaminophen when administered two hours after acetaminophen elixir.
Carolinas Poison Center, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina 28232-2861.
S R
SR
Rose
R L
RL
Gorman
G M
GM
Oderda
W
W
Klein-Schwartz
W A
WA
Watson
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D000328:Adult; D002606:Charcoal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
D002606:Charcoal; D000082:Acetaminophen