Changes in primidone/phenobarbitone ratio during pregnancy and the puerperium

Clin Pharmacokinet. 1984 May-Jun;9(3):252-60. doi: 10.2165/00003088-198409030-00006.

Abstract

Plasma concentrations of primidone and its metabolite phenobarbitone were monitored in 9 pregnant epileptic patients treated with primidone (and in 3 cases other antiepileptic drugs) given at constant doses throughout pregnancy and the puerperium. Phenobarbitone plasma concentrations were monitored in another 6 patients given phenobarbitone itself. A trend towards increasing primidone plasma concentrations during the second quarter of pregnancy was evident in all patients, with a concomitant significant decrease in primidone-derived phenobarbitone plasma concentrations. A trend towards a lowering of plasma concentrations of phenobarbitone administered as such was confirmed. These results suggest the usefulness of a careful monitoring of primidone and primadone-derived phenobarbitone during pregnancy and the puerperium. Discrepancies of findings with primidone and phenobarbitone are discussed in view of the possible mechanism involved.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Phenobarbital / blood
  • Phenobarbital / metabolism*
  • Postpartum Period*
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications / metabolism
  • Pregnancy*
  • Primidone / blood
  • Primidone / metabolism*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Primidone
  • Phenobarbital