Carbamazepine Serum Levels in Children with Epilepsy: a Micro Immuno-assay Technique

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Abstract
Children [26] with seizures were given 20 mg/kg per day carbamazepine; 5 developed side-effects. With this initial dose, serum equilibrium was reached within 4-6 days in 25 of the 26 children. Sudden withdrawal of other anticonvulsants did not usually affect carbamazepine rise in serum, unless they had been given in high doses. Satisfactory levels were obtained in the serum of 38 children given carbamazepine 2 or 3 times daily, but higher levels were obtained with the latter. The lowest carbamazepine serum level associated with complete seizure control was 6 mg/l. Seizure control was comparable whether carbamazepine was given 2 or 3 times daily. Complete control of temporal-lobe seizures was obtained in 9 of 20 children, and of grand mal in 10 of 18 children. Carbamazepine serum levels remained remarkably constant during the follow-up period of 10-30 mo.