Antipyretic Effect and Plasma Concentrations of Rectal Acetaminophen and Diazepam in Children

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Abstract
Plasma levels of acetaminophen (paracetamol) and diazepam were measured in 9 children by gas chromatography after administering the drugs simultaneously in separate suppositories. The antipyretic effects of oral and rectal acetaminophen-diazepam combinations were studied and compared with that of oral or rectal acetaminophen alone. Diazepam at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg did not increase the antipyretic action of acetaminophen. Acetaminophen and diazepam were well absorbed from the rectal suppositories; the maximal plasma concentration of diazepam after a rectal dose of 0.5 mg/kg just reached the assumed anticonvulsant level in .apprxeq. 2 h. An acetaminophen-diazepam combination in separate suppositories may be suitable for the prevention of recurrent febrile convulsions in susceptible children, but its practical value and efficacy require evaluation in clinical experiment.