THERAPEUTIC DRUG-MONITORING AND PHARMACOK INETICS OF CARBAMAZEPINE INCHILDREN WITH CONVULSIVE SYNDROME

An analysis of maximal and minimal serum concentrations of carbamazepi ne was performed in 40 children with convulsive syndrome. All the pati ents received the drug for a long period. Considerable case-to-case di fferences of serum concentrations in spite of practically equal doses were revealed. Serum drug concentrations were therapeutically optimal (6 - 8 Mg/ml) only in one third of children. On the basis of pharmacok inetic parameters, mean optimal dosages sufficient for maintenance of effective and safe carbamazepine concentrations were calculated, As th e child grows general clearance of carbamazepine decreases, Over the a ge of 9 years it is significantly lower in girls than in boys of the s ame age. Speed of carbamazepine elimination was higher in cases of com bined treatment than in cases of monotherapy, Indications and optimal time for therapeutic drug monitoring of carbamazepine are determined a nd clinical illustrations are presented.