I need to know the Route, Onset, and Peak of this drug?
What is the Pharmacokinetics of Acetaminophen?
Question posted by Aerielle on 20 Feb 2013
Last updated on 20 February 2013 by LaurieShay
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Answers
I think the following answers your questions:
Acetaminophen Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Bioavailability
Well absorbed following oral administration, with peak plasma concentration attained within 10–60 minutes (immediate-release preparations) or 60–120 minutes (extended-release preparations).a
Poor or variable absorption following rectal administration; considerable variation in peak plasma concentrations attained; time to reach peak plasma concentration is substantially longer than after oral administration.
Food
Food may delay absorption following administration as extended-release tablets.148
Distribution
Extent
Rapidly distributed to most body tissues.a Crosses placenta and is distributed into breast milk.198
Plasma Protein Binding
25%.a
Elimination
Metabolism
Metabolized principally by sulfate and glucuronide conjugation; 226 small amounts (5–10%) oxidized by CYP-dependent pathways (mainly CYP2E1 and CYP3A4) to a toxic metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI).226 NAPQI is detoxified by glutathione and eliminated; any remaining toxic metabolite may bind to hepatocytes and cause cellular necrosis.121 226
Elimination Route
Mainly excreted in urine as conjugates.
Half-life
1.25–3 hours.
Related topics
fever, pain, muscle pain, acetaminophen
Further information
- Acetaminophen uses and safety info
- Acetaminophen prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Acetaminophen (detailed)
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