BIOAVAILABILITY OF MEDICATION DELIVERED VIA NASOGASTRIC TUBE IS DECREASED IN THE IMMEDIATE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD

BACKGROUND: A study was performed to determine bioavailability of medi cation delivered via nasogastric tube in patients after abdominal surg ery. METHODS: Acetaminophen (20 mg/kg) was administered to each patien t per os at least 48 hours prior to abdominal surgery and via nasogast ric tube 3 hours postoperatively. The nasogastric tube was clamped for 30 minutes after drug administration, prior to resuming suction. Seru m levels of acetaminophen were measured 0, 40, and 90 minutes after ea ch dose. RESULTS: Acetaminophen levels were significance (P <0.001) wh en the drug was administered via nasogastric tube postoperatively. CON CLUSIONS: Decreased bioavailability of medications delivered via nasog astric tube may have important clinical implications and should be tak en into consideration during the postoperative period.