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Evaluation of the drug interaction between carbamazepine and lamotrigine in the treatment of refractory epilepsy patients

L.R.L. Pereira, T.R. Velasco, A.C. Sakamoto, D. de Carvalho [REV NEUROL 2006;43:74-77] PMID: 16838253 DOI: https://doi.org/10.33588/rn.4302.2005572

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Volumen 43 | Number 02 | Nº of views of the article 8.496 | Nº of PDF downloads 881 | Article publication date 16/07/2006

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ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a pharmacological agent used to control epileptic syndromes. In refractory epilepsy patients, however, a second anticonvulsive drug such as lamotrigine (LTG) is often added. This association can reduce the frequency of the epileptic seizures and favour control over them. AIMS. This study was conducted to evaluate the plasma concentration of CBZ throughout a period of mono and polytherapy. Furthermore, tests were also carried out to determine whether any alterations were caused in the haematological parameters or in plasma concentrations by adding LTG to the therapy with CBZ.

PATIENTS AND METHODS This study involved a sample of refractory epilepsy patients who were following monotherapy with CBZ and who had a wholly unsatisfactory control over their bouts of seizures. LTG was thus added to these patients’ treatment in an attempt to improve their control over the seizures. RESULTS AND

CONCLUSIONS On ending the study, we found that LTG did not interfere with the plasma concentrations of CBZ or give rise to any kind of alteration in the haematological parameters of any of the patients. Nevertheless, one patient did break out in a rash, which shows that therapeutic monitoring may be a key tool, especially when the treatment that is prescribed includes two drugs with a narrow therapeutic range. KeywordsCarbamazepine Drug interaction Epilepsy Lamotrigine Plasma concentration CategoriesEpilepsias y síndromes epilépticos

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Original

Evaluation of the drug interaction between carbamazepine and lamotrigine in the treatment of refractory epilepsy patients