Prodrug approaches to enhancement of physicochemical properties of drugs IX: acetaminophen prodrug.

The synthesis, hydrolysis rate, and bioavailability of 1-(p-acetaminophenoxy)-1-ethoxyethane, an acetaminophen prodrug, are described. The prodrug is less soluble than acetaminophen and stable at neutral pH. However, in an acidic environment, the compound cleaves rapidly, generating acetaminophen. When both the prodrug and acetaminophen were administered to dogs in equivalent amounts, the blood acetaminophen levels were comparable.