Pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen in children.

Acetaminophen absorption may occur at a somewhat greater rate in children if the syrup form is utilized. The overall plasma elimination of acetaminophen is somewhat slow in the neonate, but is comparable to that of adults in both children and adolescents, as judged by half-life determinations. This would suggest that the frequency of acetaminophen administration in children should be similar to the schedule recommended for adults and that a dosing interval of four hours should not result in drug accumulation. The question of a toxic quantity of acetaminophen for young children must remain open until adequate metabolic or retrospective toxicologic data become known. Since the volumes of distribution appear to be the same in both adults and children, the same dose should apply in both groups; currently, 10 mg/kg is considered to be both safe and effective for antipyresis.