Plasma Concentrations of Carbamazepine and Carbamazepine 10,11-Epoxide During Pregnancy and After Delivery

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Abstract
Plasma concentrations of carbamazepine were monitored in 9 pregnant epileptic patients treated with the drug alone at constant doses during pregnancy and for at least 3 months after delivery. In addition, plasma concentrations of the metabolite, carbamazepine 10,11-epoxide were measured in 6 of the 9 patients. Plasma carbamazepine concentrations were fairly stable during pregnancy, and carbamazepine relative plasma clearances were significantly higher in weeks 4 to 24 than in weeks 25 to 52. After the end of the second trimester, there were no variations in plasma carbamazepine 10,11-epoxide concentrations and carbamazepine 10.11-epoxide: carbamazepine ratios. Both parameters were significantly higher in weeks 4 to 24 than in weeks 25 to 32 of pregnancy.