Comparison of paracetamol metabolism in young adult and elderly males.

Paracetamol metabolism was compared in groups of young adult (mean age 20.8 years) and elderly (mean 79.3 years) males. Apparent oral clearance and half-life and partial metabolic clearances to the glucuronide and glutathione-derived conjugates of paracetamol were not significantly different between the two groups. However, the partial metabolic clearance to paracetamol sulphate was 23.1% lower and renal clearance of unchanged drug was 42.9% lower in the elderly compared to the young adults. Despite the decreased clearance by these pathways, reduction in paracetamol dosage should not be necessary in the elderly.