title: Monitoring of serum levels of imipramine and desipramine and individualization of dose in enuretic children.
abstract: The serum levels of imipramine (IMI) and its active metabolite desipramine (DMI) were monitored in 90 children with primary nocturnal enuresis. Ages ranged between 5 and 14 years. Serum concentrations were determined in 21 children at 24 h after administration of a dose of 75 mg and once when steady state had been reached, 12 h after the last dose; a good correlation was seen between the total levels (IMI + DMI) on those two occasions (r = 0.81; p less than 0.01). This serves as a basis to predict the steady-state levels of IMI + DMI reached in an individual patient. In the remaining patients the serum levels of IMI + DMI were determined at steady state. Dosage regimens were adjusted individually to obtain a favorable response with regard to the frequency of enuresis and to the possible occurrence of side effects. Good correlation was established between the serum concentrations of IMI + DMI at steady state and the frequency of enuresis, with a favorable response being obtained for levels greater than 80 ng/ml. Monitoring of serum levels leads to better compliance with the regimen throughout treatment.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003891:Desipramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004775:Enuresis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007099:Imipramine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance
chemical_list: D007099:Imipramine; D003891:Desipramine