for ER APAP and IR APAP were compared using the paired t-test.Results: All the subjects completed both study phases. The mean APAP dose ingested was 5.6 g (range, 4.2-7.8 g). Both the AUC and the C,, were less after ER APAP than after IR APAP; otherwise, there was no evident difference in any measure. Graphically, ER APAP yielded a flatter, plateau-shaped curve initially, but after 4 hours the curve was nearly identical to that for IR APAP. Results are summarized in the 0.0200Conclusion: In this model involving a single supratherapeutic dose, ER APAP evidenced no pharmacokinetic features that would suggest the need for an alternate poisoning screening strategy. When compared with IR APAP, ER APAP had a lower AUC, all peak [APAP] occurred in <4 hours, and terminal eliminations were identical. The data suggest that, in most cases, the diagnostic approach to an overdose of ER APAP need not deviate from that used for an IR APAP overdose.Key words: acetaminophen; pharmacokinetic; area under curve; serum levels; toxicity; poisoning.

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