Add-on trial of clobazam in intractable adult epilepsy with plasma level correlations.
Clobazam, a novel benzodiazepine, was used as an add-on agent in 47 adult patients with intractable epilepsy and a variety of seizure types. A greater than 75% reduction in seizure frequency was observed in 42% (18) of the patients and a greater than 50% reduction in 65% (29) of the patients which was sustained over a mean follow-up period of 13.3 (+/- 5.6) months. Nine patients had to discontinue the drug due to minor adverse effects or increased seizures. Possible tolerance developed in 6 patients. Plasma levels of the active metabolite N-desmethylclobazam were linearly related to dosage and appeared to correlate with both therapeutic and toxic responses. Clobazam appears to be a safe and effective add-on antiepileptic for a wide variety of seizure types in intractable epilepsy.
Division of Neurology, Ottawa General Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
A
A
Guberman
M
M
Couture
K
K
Blaschuk
A
A
Sherwin
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D001570:Benzodiazepinones / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000078306:Clobazam; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D001570:Benzodiazepinones; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D000078306:Clobazam; C024581:N-desmethylclobazam