Table 2

Pharmacokinetic parameters of paracetamol in preterm neonates after rectal single dose

Parameter28–32 weeks (1)32–36 weeks (2)p Value
Cmax (mg/l)12.5 (2.9)7.5 (4.0)0.001
range7.5–18.01.5–13.6
Tmax(h)* 3.95.1NS
range0.8–10.51.0–9.5
T½ (h)11.0 (5.7)4.8 (1.2)0.011
range3.5–25.23.6–6.8
AUC (mg/h/l)95.1 (28.0)71.7 (41.7)0.046
range29.0–160.617.5–134.6
Cl (l/h)0.10 (0.04)0.56 (0.66)0.04
range0.03–0.170.13–1.70
  • Cmax, maximum concentration; Tmax, time to reach maximum concentration; T½, elimination half life; AUC, area under the concentration-time curve; Cl clearance. Data are shown as mean (SD) or as median*.