Monitoring clobazam therapy
Both clobazam and N-desmethylclobazam (norclobazam) are detected in serum specimens.
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Frisium
Norclobazam
Onfi
Serum Red
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect blood immediately before next scheduled dose.
2. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Additional Information: Trough specimens are recommended as therapeutic ranges are based on specimens collected at trough (ie, immediately before the next dose).
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.
0.35 mL
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
Ambient | 28 days | ||
Frozen | 28 days |
Monitoring clobazam therapy
Clobazam is a broad spectrum, antiepileptic drug used for various types of seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a type of childhood onset epilepsy), and migraine prophylaxis. Clobazam blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels, potentiates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity at some of the GABA receptors, and inhibits potentiation of the glutamate receptor and carbonic anhydrase enzyme, all of which contribute to its antiepileptic and antimigraine efficacy.
In general, clobazam shows favorable pharmacokinetics with good absorption (1-4 hours for the immediate-release formulation), low protein binding, and minimal hepatic metabolism. Elimination is predominantly renal, and it is excreted unchanged in the urine with an elimination half-life of approximately 21 hours. As with other anticonvulsant drugs eliminated by the renal system, patients with impaired kidney function exhibit decreased clobazam clearance and a prolonged elimination half-life.
Serum concentrations of other anticonvulsant drugs are not significantly affected by the concurrent administration of clobazam, with the exception of patients on phenytoin whose serum concentrations can increase after the addition of clobazam. Other drug-drug interactions include the coadministration of phenobarbital, phenytoin, or carbamazepine, which can result in decreased clobazam concentrations. In addition, concurrent use of posaconazole and clobazam may result in the elevation of clobazam serum concentrations. Therefore, changes in cotherapy with these medications (phenytoin, carbamazepine, posaconazole, or phenobarbital) may require dose adjustment of clobazam, and therapeutic drug monitoring can be helpful. The most common adverse drug effects associated with clobazam include weight loss, loss of appetite, somnolence, dizziness, coordination problems, memory impairment, and paresthesia.
Clobazam
Therapeutic Range: 30-300 ng/mL
N-desmethylclobazam (Norclobazam)
Therapeutic Range: 300-3,000 ng/mL
The results of this test should be interpreted in conjunction with the patient's physical signs, symptoms, and other laboratory test results.
Most individuals display optimal response to clobazam when serum levels of clobazam are between 30 and 300 ng/mL and N-desmethylclobazam are between 300 and 3000 ng/mL. Risk of toxicity is increased when clobazam levels are above 500 ng/mL or N-desmethlyclobazam levels are above 5000 ng/mL.
Some individuals may respond well outside of these ranges or may display toxicity within the therapeutic range; thus, interpretation should include clinical evaluation.
No significant cautionary statements
1. Hiemke C, Bergemann N, Clement HW, et al. Consensus guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring in neuropsychopharmacology: Update 2017. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2018;51(1-02):9-62
2. Patsalos PN, Berry DJ, Bourgeois BF, et al: Antiepileptic drugs-best practice guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring: a position paper by the subcommission on therapeutic drug monitoring, ILAE Commission on Therapeutic Strategies. Epilepsia. 2008;49(7):1239-1276
3. Johannessen SI, Tomsom T. Pharmacokinetic variability of newer antiepileptic drugs: when is monitoring needed?. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2006;45(11):1061-1075
Methodology involves a simple deproteinization using acetonitrile, followed by dilution, and analysis by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.(Unpublished Mayo method)
Monday through Friday
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
80339 (G0480 if appropriate)
Test Id | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CLOBZ | Clobazam and metabolite, S | 79408-1 |
Result Id | Test Result Name |
Result LOINC Value
Applies only to results expressed in units of measure originally reported by the performing laboratory. These values do not apply to results that are converted to other units of measure.
|
---|---|---|
65483 | Clobazam | 3487-6 |
92363 | N-desmethylclobazam | 35107-2 |