Abstract |
Clorazepate dipotassium is rapidly decarboxylated to yield desmethyl diazepam. The antiepileptic effect of clorazepate was studied in 29 epileptic children with refractory seizures. Their ages were ranged from one year 9 months to 20 years (mean 11 years 6 months). Serum clorazepate levels were also determined in 16 patients. The mean initial dose was 0.91 mg/kg/day, and the dose was increased up to 3 mg/kg/day. Within several days after initiation of clorazepate therapy, a decrease in seizure frequency was seen in patients in whom clorazepate was effective. Excellent results (decrease in seizure frequency by more than 80%) were obtained in 7 patients (24.1%), a moderate improvement with a 50 to 80% decrease was seen in 7 patients (24.1%), and a partial improvement with less than 50% decrease was seen in 7 patients (24.1%). No benefit was seen in 8 patients (27.7%). Serum clorazepate levels in patients with excellent results were 31 to 77 ng/ml (mean 55 ng/ml), those in patients with a moderate improvement were 130 to 225 ng/ml (mean 163 ng/ml), and those in patients with a partial improvement were 142 to 518 ng/ml (mean 273 ng/ml). Serum clorazepate levels in patients with no benefit were 34 to 97 ng/ml (mean 56 ng/ml). There was no direct relationship between serum clorazepate levels and clinical response. The results of this study indicate the efficacy of clorazepate for epileptic children with refractory seizures.
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Authors | T Mimaki, T Tagawa, J Ono, J Tanaka, H Terada, N Itoh, H Yabuuchi |
Journal | Brain & development
(Brain Dev)
Vol. 6
Issue 6
Pg. 539-44
( 1984)
ISSN: 0387-7604 [Print] Netherlands |
PMID | 6152517
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Anti-Anxiety Agents
- Anticonvulsants
- Clorazepate Dipotassium
- Nordazepam
- Diazepam
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Anti-Anxiety Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Anticonvulsants
(therapeutic use)
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Clorazepate Dipotassium
(blood, therapeutic use)
- Diazepam
(therapeutic use)
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Epilepsies, Myoclonic
(drug therapy)
- Epilepsies, Partial
(drug therapy)
- Epilepsy
(blood, drug therapy)
- Epilepsy, Absence
(drug therapy)
- Humans
- Infant
- Nordazepam
(blood)
- Spasms, Infantile
(drug therapy)
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