Intraindividual variability of paracetamol absorption kinetics after a semi-solid meal in healthy volunteers

Objective: The absorption kinetics of paracetamol is dependent on gastric emptying and its measurement was proposed as a non-invasive method to estimate gastric emptying rate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the intraindividual variability of paracetamol absorption kinetics after a semi-solid meal. Methods: The pharmacokinetics of paracetamol was studied on two occasions in 15 healthy volunteers without Helicobacter pylori antibodies. A 1-g dose of paracetamol was given as a solution together with a standardised semi-solid meal and the subjects stayed in the supine position. Results: For most of the subjects, the time course of paracetamol concentrations was similar on the two occasions. The intraindividual variability was low, with coefficients of variation of 38.3 %, 8.0 % and 3.8 % for time to maximum plasma concentration, maximum concentration and area under the plasma concentration - time curve until 6 h, respectively. Conclusion: The assessment of paracetamol absorption kinetics is reproducible when the drug is given together with a semi-solid meal in Helicobacter pylori-negative healthy subjects.