Serum diazepam levels after oral administration in children.
OBJECTIVE
To determine serum levels of diazepam after oral administration in children.


METHODS
Forty six children admitted with febrile seizures were orally administered with 0.25 mg/kg/dose of diazepam six hourly for four doses. Trough (prior to the next dose) and peak (at 1 hour 20 minutes after the dose) serum levels of diazepam were analyzed. The patients were observed for adverse effects of the medication.


RESULTS
The peak levels after 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th doses were above 0.15 microg/ml which is considered the therapeutic level in 93.5, 97.8, 97.7, and 100 per cent of the patients, respectively. The trough levels prior to the 2nd, 3nd, and 4th doses were greater than 0.15 microg/ml in 75.0, 84.0, and 91.3 per cent, respectively. Neither recurrent seizure nor serious adverse effects occurred in any of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Serum concentrations above the therapeutic level were achieved after orally administered diazepam at 0.25 mg/kg/dose six hourly for four doses. Oral diazepam may be used as another method in the prevention of recurrent febrile seizures.
Visudtibhan
Anannit
A
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Chiemchanya
Surang
S
Visudhiphan
Pongsakdi
P
Kanjanarungsichai
Auempa
A
Kaojarern
Sming
S
Pichaipat
Vorapun
V
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D003294:Seizures, Febrile / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003975:Diazepam