Analysis of Serum Concentration of Carbamazepine, Valproic Acid in Elderly with Epilepsy

OBJECTIVE To investigate serum concentration of carbamazepine, valproic acid in elderly patients with epilepsy. METHODS Monitored the serum concentration of carbamazepine and valproic acid in 262 patients with epilepsy. RESULTS About 13.75% patients’ blood concentration lower than the effective blood concentration, 5% higher than the effective blood concentration and 81.25% reached the effective blood concentration in carbamazepine group. About 51.96% patients’ blood concentration lower than the effective blood concentration, 3.92% higher than the effective blood concentration and 44.12% reached the effective blood concentration in valproic acid group. The results showed that the number of patients reached the effective blood concentration in valproic acid group significantly lower than that of carbamazepine group (P<0.01), but the number higher than the effective blood concentration in two groups was similar (P>0.05). CONCLUSION The two groups’ patients, who were given the initial dose of carbamazepine or sodium valproate, were different in reaching the effective concentration. The elderly patients with epilepsy should be implemented with individual administration.