Carbamazepine Level

Pharmacokinetic factors influence the correct time of sample collection after the last drug dose. These factors include dosage form, mode of administration, concomitant drug therapy, and biological variation affecting drug disposition. Measure the stady-state serum concentration representing the trough level just before the next scheduled dose.

CARBA

Tegretol

Light GREEN (PST)

 Serum (Red) or Gold (SST) or Orange (OJ) or Tiger Top Serum
Plasma: EDTA (LAV), Citrate (BLU)

Samples are generally considered stable for 30 days when stored refrigerated at 2 - 8 degrees C and stable for 3 months when stored frozen < -20 degrees C. Samples that contain particulate matter, fibrous material, or gel-like masses; appear unusual; or are frozen require preparation. Use the following instructions to prepare such samples: If sample is frozen, thaw at a room temperature of 15-25°C.

24x7

4.0-12.0 ug/mL Critical: >15.0 ug/mL

Carbamazepine is a derivative of iminostilbene that is used alone or with other anti-epileptic drugs to treat grand mal, partial, and partial-complex seizures. It is also used to treat trigeminal neuralgia (tic doloureux) and to treat bipolar affective disorders in patients for whom lithium is not effective. The individual response to carbamazepine varies greatly due to differences in absorption and metabolism. Carbamazepine has a narrow therapeutic range of 4 to 10 ug/ml. Monitoring serum carbamazepine concentrations, along with careful clinical assessment, is the most effective means of improving seizure control, reducing the risk of toxicity, and minimizingthe need for additional anticonvulsant medication for the following reasons: • Serum carbamazepine concentrations correlate better with pharmacologic activity than does dosage. • Changes in carbamazepine’s half-life with prolonged treatment and interindividual differences in carbamazepine metabolism make it difficult to predict serum levels from the administered dosage, particularly during concomitant therapy with other anticonvulsants. Serum level monitoring helps physicians individualize dosage regimes.