Plasma paracetamol concentrations after different doses of rectal paracetamol in older children A comparison of 1 g vs. 40 mg x kg(-1).
We compared the plasma paracetamol levels attained after the administration of different doses of rectal paracetamol in healthy children to see if they attained therapeutic levels (> 10 microg x ml(-1)). We recruited 24 children (ASA I-III) over 25 kg undergoing elective surgery. They were randomly assigned to receive rectal paracetamol at a dose of 1 g or 40 mg x kg(-1). Blood samples were taken for analysis at 2, 3, 4 and 5 h post dose. Most children in the 1 g group failed to attain therapeutic plasma levels, whereas those in the 40 mg kg(-1) group did achieve therapeutic levels (mean maximum concentration = 7.8 vs. 15.9 microg x ml(-1), p = 0.009).
Howell
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TK
Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Hospital Road, Pendlebury, Manchester M27 4HA, UK.
Patel
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D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D000285:Administration, Rectal; D000293:Adolescent; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000082:Acetaminophen