The role of therapeutic drug monitoring in the care of epileptic patients
Miller, R.; Nowosiad, D.; Warnes, D.M.; De Wet, J.M.
South African Medical Journal 62(15): 512-515
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0256-9574 PMID: 6812224 Document Number: 194609
Plasma concentrations of anti-epileptic drugs were measured in outpatients with a positive diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy. Dosage adjustments were based on pharmacokinetic principles to obtain optimal seizure control and drug utilization. By means of the sign test the decrease in the frequency of seizures was shown to be statistically significant (P = 0,00024), as was the decrease in the number of anti-epileptic drugs being used concurrently (P = 0,00098). Combined with judicious clinical observation, measurement of blood levels of antiepileptic drugs can contribute greatly to the successful management of the epileptic patient.