Download PDF
Neuropediatrics 1982; 13(1): 10-13
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1059589
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Serum Concentrations and Enzyme Induction in Epileptic Children Treated with Phenytoin and Valproate

F. A. de Wolff1 , A. C. B. Peters2 , G. M. J. van Kempen3
  • 1Laboratory of Toxicology, University Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands
  • 2Division of Child Neurology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Leiden, The Netherlands
  • 3Psychiatric Hospital "Endegeest", Oegstgeest, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

  PDF Download  Permissions and Reprints

Abstract

In a group of 59 epileptic children treated with Phenytoin (PHT) and valproate sodium (VPA), either alone or in combination, the following effects were studied:
(1) the reciprocal effect on the serum levels of the two drugs, and (2) the enzyme-inducing effects of both drugs.

VPA had no effect on PHT levels, but PHT significantly decreased VPA concentrations. PHT enhanced both y-glutamyltranspeptidase activity (y-GT) and D-glucaric acid excretion (GLA); these effects were potentiated by VPA. VPA alone did not affect y-GT, but significantly enhanced GLA.

Key words

Phenytoin - Valproate - Enzyme induction - Epilepsy - Pharmacokinetics

      >