Serum carbamazepine 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
Carbamazepine (Carbamazepine, Tegretol) is an anticonvulsant, sedative anticholinergic, antidepressant, and muscle relaxant medication used alone or in combination with other antiepileptic agents. Carbamazepine is metabolized in the liver, has a half-life of 10-30 hours in adults and 8-19 hours in children. Steady-state levels are achieved in 2-6 days. Carbamazepine is affected by circadian rhythm and therefore should be taken at a particular time of day. Carbamazepine crosses the placenta and is excreted in human milk.
Side effects of carbamazepine include bone marrow suppression, eosinophilia, hepatic impairment, and urticaria.
Medications that increase carbamazepine levels include calcium channel blockers, cimetidine, erythromycin, fluoxetine, influenza vaccine, isoniazid, propoxyphene, verapamil, vigabatrin.
Medications that lower carbamazepine levels include phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin.
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. The 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.
