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Original ArticleOpen Access
Serum Diazepam Levels After Oral Administration in Children
Visudtihhan A 
,
Chiemchanya S ,
Visudhiphan P ,
Kanjanarungsichai A ,
Kaojarern S ,
Pichaipat V
,
Chiemchanya S ,
Visudhiphan P ,
Kanjanarungsichai A ,
Kaojarern S ,
Pichaipat V Objective : To determine serum levels of diazepam after oral administration in children.
Patients and Method : Forty six children admitted with febrile seizures were orally administered
with 0.25 mg/kg/dose of diazepam six hourly for four doses. Trough (prior to the next dose)
and peak (at 1 hour 20 minutes after the dose) serum levels of diazepam were analyzed. The patients
were observed for adverse effects of the medication.
Results :The peak levels after 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th doses were above 0.15 µg/ml which is
considered the therapeutic level in 93.5, 97.8, 97.7, and 100 per cent of the patients, respectively.
The trough levels prior to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th doses were greater than 0.15 µg/ml in 75.0, 84.0, and
91.3 per cent, respectively. Neither recurrent seizure nor serious adverse effects occurred in any of
the patients.
Conclusion : Serum concentrations above the therapeutic level were achieved after orally
administered diazepam at 0.25 mg/kg/dose six hourly for four doses. Oral diazepam may be used as
another method in the prevention of recurrent febrile seizures.
Key word : Diazepam, Serum Level, Oral Administration
Patients and Method : Forty six children admitted with febrile seizures were orally administered
with 0.25 mg/kg/dose of diazepam six hourly for four doses. Trough (prior to the next dose)
and peak (at 1 hour 20 minutes after the dose) serum levels of diazepam were analyzed. The patients
were observed for adverse effects of the medication.
Results :The peak levels after 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th doses were above 0.15 µg/ml which is
considered the therapeutic level in 93.5, 97.8, 97.7, and 100 per cent of the patients, respectively.
The trough levels prior to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th doses were greater than 0.15 µg/ml in 75.0, 84.0, and
91.3 per cent, respectively. Neither recurrent seizure nor serious adverse effects occurred in any of
the patients.
Conclusion : Serum concentrations above the therapeutic level were achieved after orally
administered diazepam at 0.25 mg/kg/dose six hourly for four doses. Oral diazepam may be used as
another method in the prevention of recurrent febrile seizures.
Key word : Diazepam, Serum Level, Oral Administration
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