[Blood level profile of valproate administration under therapeutic conditions in children].

The antiepileptic drug, valproic acid, was administered to 32 children (valproate calcium 8; valproate plus ethosuximide 10; valproate plus phenobarbitone 2; valproate plus primidone 8; valproate plus DPH, primidone and/or carbamazepine 4). They received valproic acid three times daily (8.00 a.m., at noon, 6.00 p.m.). Valproate blood levels were determined. The study revealed that, in contrast to international recommendations, (i) plasma levels were very high, (ii) unnecessary fluctuations occurred, and (iii) obviously valproic acid was too often administered in combined therapy with other antiepileptics.