Summary
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.
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Miners, J.O., Penhall, R., Robson, R.A. et al. Comparison of paracetamol metabolism in young adult and elderly males. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 35, 157–160 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00609245
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00609245