Serum primidone measurement is used to monitor drug levels in the body during treatment, to monitor patients' compliance with treatment, and to evaluate any drug toxicity.
More information
Primidone (Primidone, Mysoline) is an anticonvulsant used in the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy and grand mal epileptic seizures that are resistant to other anticonvulsant drugs. When metabolized by the liver, primidone is broken down into phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide. These two metabolites exert synergistic action. The metabolites of primidone are excreted by the kidneys. The half-life of primidone is 4-12 hours in adults and 4-6 hours in children. Steady state levels are reached after 16-60 hours in adults and after 20-30 hours in children while peak plasma drug concentration is reached 2-4 hours after administration.
At toxic concentrations primidone can cause a reduced level of consciousness, ataxia, anemia while side effects include sedation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, nystagmus and loss of libido.
An increase in the concentration of primidone is caused by carbamazepine, isoniazid, monoamine oxidase (MCA) inhibitors, phenobarbital and sodium valproate. Decrease in the concentration of primidone is caused by sub-maximal treatment, acetazolamide and methoxuximide.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
