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The pharmacokinetics of a single rectal dose of paracetamol (40 mg·kg −1 ) in children with liver disease
Author(s) -
CORMACK C.R.H.,
SUDAN S.,
ADDISON R.,
KEATING J.,
SHERWOOD R.A.,
ASHLEY E.M.C.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
pediatric anesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.704
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1460-9592
pISSN - 1155-5645
DOI - 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2005.01789.x
Subject(s) - medicine , suppository , pharmacokinetics , analgesic , bioavailability , cohort , liver disease , population , rectal administration , anesthesia , chronic liver disease , coefficient of variation , gastroenterology , pharmacology , cirrhosis , environmental health , statistics , mathematics
Summary Background: The aim of our study was to measure the serum paracetamol concentrations achieved following a single rectal loading dose of 40 mg·kg −1 in children with chronic liver disease. Methods: We recruited 17 children (3–15 years, 10.6–75 kg) undergoing minor surgical procedures under general anesthesia. Paracetamol was administered at the end of surgery and blood samples were taken for analysis at 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 h postdose. Results: The mean C max of 11.4 mg·l −1 [coefficient of variation (CV) 66%] was achieved at a T max of 2.7 h (CV 42%). The relative bioavailability ( F ) of the suppository formulation was not estimated, but clearance ( Cl / F ) estimates 0.73 l·kg −1 ·h −1 (CV 87%) and time–concentration profiles for these children were similar to the normal pediatric population. Conclusions: There are currently no biologic markers available for monitoring possible hepatotoxicity in this cohort of patients with liver disease, but our data suggest that a single‐dose suppository is a satisfactory analgesic alternative.