A Comparison of the Absorption of Two Formulations of Paracetamol

Abstract

The absorption of two formulations of paracetamol was compared in four normal human volunteers. A cross-over study was employed in which each was given the tablet or effervescent formulation with a seven day interval between medications. Plasma levels of paracetamol were measured up to four hours after administration using a gas-liquid chromatographic technique. The tablet formulation (Panadol) gave rise to peak plasma levels at times varying from less than thirty minutes to two hours, while the effervescent formulation (Para-seltzer) gave rise to higher plasma concentrations of paracetamol in three of the four volunteers and peak levels occurred at or before thirty minutes in all four volunteers, indicating a more rapid absorption of the effervescent formulation.