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Effects of Posture and Sleep on the Pharmacokinetics of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) and Its Metabolites

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Summary

The effects of posture and sleep on the pharmacokinetics of paracetamol (acetaminophen) 500mg and its metabolites were studied in 8 healthy men. The mean residence times for paracetamol or its metabolites were significantly altered by change in posture or by sleep, whereas other pharmacokinetic parameters were unchanged. The change in mean residence time is consistent with a faster absorption of paracetamol during ambulation. The present data suggest that the proposed posture-related changes in volume of distribution do not exist, and that there is no pharmacokinetic basis for a headache being relieved by taking paracetamol and lying down.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Pharmacy, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia

    Roger H. Rumble,  Michael S. Roberts & Michael J. Denton

  2. Department of Clinical Chemistry, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia

    Roger H. Rumble,  Michael S. Roberts & Michael J. Denton

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  1. Roger H. Rumble
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  2. Michael S. Roberts
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  3. Michael J. Denton
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Rumble, R.H., Roberts, M.S. & Denton, M.J. Effects of Posture and Sleep on the Pharmacokinetics of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) and Its Metabolites. Clin Pharmacokinet 20, 167–173 (1991). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003088-199120020-00007

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00003088-199120020-00007

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