title: Serum diazepam levels after oral administration in children.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
authors.forename: Anannit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Visudtibhan
authors.forename: Surang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chiemchanya
authors.forename: Pongsakdi
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Visudhiphan
authors.forename: Auempa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kanjanarungsichai
authors.forename: Sming
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kaojarern
authors.forename: Vorapun
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Pichaipat
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003975:Diazepam