Carbamazepine Serum Test

Monitoring therapy, Determining compliance, Assessing toxicity

Test is recommended for patients being treated with Carbamazepine for partial seizures

Aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis are rare side effects of treatment with carbamazepine; baseline hematologic data should be documented before treatment is initiated. Toxicity associated with carbamazepine overdose occurs when the blood level is 15.0 mcg/mL or higher and is typified by irregular breathing, muscle irritability, and hyperreflexia; followed by hyporeflexia, tachycardia, hypotension, and impaired consciousness with coma in severe toxicity. The higher the blood level, the more severe the symptoms. Thereby This assay is useful in monitoring therapy, determining compliance and assessing toxicity.