Serum Diazepam Levels After Oral Administration In Children
ANANNIT VISUDTIBHAN, M.D.*, SURANG CHIEMCHANYA, M.D.*, PONGSAKDI VISUDHIPHAN, M.D.*, AUEMPA KANJANARUNGSICHAI, M.D.*, SMING KAOJARERN, M.D.**, VORAPUN PICHAIPAT, M.D.***
Affiliation : * Department of Pediatrics, ** Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, *** Department of Pediatrics, Maharaj Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand.
Objective : To determine serum levels of diazepam after oral administration in children.
Patients and
Method : Forty six children admitted with febrile seizures were orally admi nistered 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 1'', 2"d, 3'd and 4'h doses were above 0.15 j.!g/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 2"d, 3'd, and 4'h doses were greater than 0.15 j.!g/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.
Keywords : Diazepam, Serum Level, Oral Administration
