Application of a modified colorimetric enzyme assay to monitor plasma paracetamol levels following single oral doses to non-patient volunteers.

A modified enzyme-based colorimetric method has been used to determine plasma paracetamol profiles following single dose (2 x 500 mg) administration of three dosage forms to non-patient volunteers. The assay is linear over the concentration range 0.15-60 micrograms ml-1 with a coefficient of variation of 9.1% at the 1.5 micrograms ml-1 level. It is rapid, requiring small sample volumes; compares favourably with other techniques such as HPLC; and is not subject to interference from paracetamol metabolites and other drugs. Administration of paracetamol as two different dosage forms, as a solid tablet and as a dispersible tablet, resulted in no statistically significant difference in pharmacokinetic parameters between treatments.