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Bioavailibility of paracetamol after oral administration to healthy volunteers

Influence of caffeine on rate and extent of absorption

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Abstract

The absorption rate and the bioavailability of two commercially available paracetamol tablets were investigated in a panel of seven volunteers; one of these tablets contained a combination of 50 mg caffeine and paracetamol. Considering the urinary excretion data, it is concluded that the tablets release their contents completely; the absolute bioavailability, however, calculated from plasma concentrations, is lower than 100%, indicating a first-pass effect. A marked interindividual variation in first-pass effect was noticed. No general influence of caffeine on the extent of absorption of paracetamol could be established; there is, however, a slightly positive influence of caffeine on the absorption rate of paracetamol in six out of seven volunteers. It was concluded that this positive influence on absorption rate is not responsible for the established enhancement of paracetamol analgesia by caffeine.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutics, State University of Utrecht, Catharijnesingel 60, 3511, GH Utrecht, The Netherlands

    J. J. Tukker

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Utrecht University Hospital, Catharijnesingel 101, 3511, GV Utrecht, The Netherlands

    J. M. A. Sitsen

  3. Pharbita BV, C. van Uitgeeststraat 2, 1508, EH Zaandam, The Netherlands

    Ch. F. Gusdori

Authors
  1. J. J. Tukker
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  2. J. M. A. Sitsen
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  3. Ch. F. Gusdori
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Tukker, J.J., Sitsen, J.M.A. & Gusdori, C.F. Bioavailibility of paracetamol after oral administration to healthy volunteers. Pharmaceutisch Weekblad Scientific Edition 8, 239–243 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01957785

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01957785

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