Disposition of four drugs in malnourished children.

Pharmacokinetic studies on antipyrine, chloramphenicol, acetaminophen, and sulphadiazine have been carried out in infants and children suffering from protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). Increased antipyrine plasma half-life in PEM indicated altered mixed oxidative microsomal enzyme activity in hepatocytes. Chloramphenicol was absorbed (ka) as well as eliminated (ke) at slower rates in PEM. The net result was that the comparative bioavailability of the drug was higher in PEM as compared to the control. Observations were similar in the case of sulphadiazine. The rate of absorption (ka) of acetaminophen was not affected in children with PEM, but the elimination rate constant was slower and plasma half-life prolonged. Noticeable improvement was observed within 6-8 weeks of nutritional rehabilitation with respect to chloramphenicol, antipyrine, and acetaminophen pharmacokinetics.