[Serum phenobarbital levels in epileptics].

The results of serum level determination in 250 epileptics confirm previous papers. Phenobarbital: --Is a "safe" anticonvulsant: steady serum level during 24 hours periods in chronic treatment and rather stable relationship between ingested dose and serum level. It can therefore be given as in the past, without blood level control. --Must always be prescribed according to the patient's weight, because serum level and therefore cerebral concentration depends on the dose per kilogram and not on the absolute dose. --Must be given in relatively higher dosage to children on account of a faster catabolism. --Is interfered with in its kinetics by other anticonvulsants and this fact must be taken into consideration for drugs associations. --Has no predetermined blood level for the control of every epilepsy. Some patients no longer have seizures with a theoretically too low serum level, while others still have seizures in spite of very high serum levels.