Felbamate
Felbamate (Felbatol) is an antiepileptic drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with partial seizures and children with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Felbamate has more complicated pharmacokinetics and more drug interactions than the other new antiepileptic drugs. Because of potentially fatal adverse effects of aplastic anemia and hepatic failure, Felbamate’s use is restricted to patients with severe epilepsy refractory to other therapies.
Daily doses in the range of 1200 to 3600 mg per day normally produce serum concentrations of 25 to 100 ug/mL. Levels of 200 ug/mL or higher are considered critical. Children metabolize Felbamate much more rapidly than adults.
Specimen requirement is one plain red top tube of blood drawn one hour prior to the next dose.
