Serum levels of penicillin v after oral administration of pediatric preparations to healthy subjects.

The bioavailability of nine commercial pediatric preparations of penicillin V was tested in a double-blind, cross-over fashion on ten healthy student nurses who were given 1 mill I.U. of the various preparations. The serum concentrations were determined using the paper disc method of "AB Biodisc" Sweden. The preparations could be divided into two different groups: (1) the mixtures (2) the effervescent tablets, substance for drops and granulate. This classification is based upon the mean peak serum levels obtained. With one exception the peak serum levels in group 2 were significantly higher than in group 1. 2,4 and 6 hours after ingestion there were no differences in the serum levels, indicating that none of the preparations gave sustained high serum levels. The results presented indicate that the preparations in group 2 should be preferred.