Effects of rectally administered paracetamol on infants delivered by vacuum extraction.

Objective: To evaluate whether paracetamol (20 mg/kg rectally) relieves pain in infants delivered by vacuum extraction, and improves clinical condition.

Methods: Prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Infants delivered by vacuum extraction were randomised either to the study group (n=61) and given paracetamol or to the control group (n=61) receiving placebo.

Multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of rectally administered acetaminophen in term infants.

Objective: To investigate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rectally administered acetaminophen (INN, paracetamol) in term neonates directly after birth.

Methods: In this prospective clinical trial, term neonates wtih painful conditions or who were undergoing painful procedures received multiple-dose acetaminophen. Serum concentrations were determined serially with an HPLC method, and pharmacokinetic analysis was performed.