Serum Levels of Carbamazepine and Valproic Acid in Pediatric Patients. Influence of Age and Drug Combination Therapy of L/D Ratios.

Abstract

The influence of age and drug combination therapy on carbamazepine (CBZ) serum level-dose (L/D) ratio and valproic acid (VPA) L/D ratio was investigated in 442 pediatric patients.The CBZ or VPA L/D ratio increased linearly with the increase in the age of pediatric patients (p<0.001).Concomitant administration of antiepileptic drugs affected those L/D ratios, which were significantly reduced in patients on polypharmacy as compared to those on monopharmacy.Therefore, routine monitoring of CBZ and VPA serum levels would be extremely useful, especially in pediatric age group and in patients required combined antiepileptic medication.