Carbamazepine, a commonly used anticonvulsant, is generally a safe drug. However,
it has at times been associated with cases of severe toxicity and death. Its pharmacological
properties include sedation, anticholinergic, antidysrhythmic, muscle relaxant, antidiuretic,
and antidepressant effects (
1
). Carbamazepine is available in enteral solid and suspension formulations (
2
). In contrast to the solid formulation that is known to have slow and unpredictable
absorption, therapeutic loading doses of carbamazepine suspension provide quick and
predictable absorption in both children and adults (
2
). Pharmacokinetic studies have demonstrated rapid absorption of the suspension resulting
in peak and therapeutic concentrations within 2 h of ingestion (
2
). In this letter, we discuss the case of a young boy who was followed for epilepsy
for 2 years and who had a carbamazepine tablet intake equal to 100 mg/kg.To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 23, 2009
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© 2010 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.