USE OF ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS IN NONTRAUMATIC NEUROSURGICAL PROCEDURES -IS THERE ANY BEST ROUTE AND TIME OF ADMINISTRATION

We assessed in 15 consecutive patients the best route and time of admi nistration for phenytoin (PHT) prophylaxis in neurosurgical procedures . We also correlated PHT levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid after oral and parenteral loading doses. The mean PHT level was 13.9 mu g/m l in serum and 2.03 mu g/ml in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), with a signi ficant correlation between levels in both compartments (r = 0.73, p <0 .01). Mean PHT levels among the different groups were not statisticall y significant. We conclude that therapeutic levels of PHT in CSF can b e achieved independently of the route of administration, as long as ac cepted loading doses are used.