OBJECTIVE To investigate serum concentration of carbamazepine, valproic acid

in elderly patients with epilepsy. METHODS Monitored the serum concentration

of carbamazepine and valproic acid in 262 patients with epilepsy. RESULTS

About 13.75% patients’ blood concentration lower than the effective blood

concentration, 5% higher than the effective blood concentration and 81.25%

reached the effective blood concentration in carbamazepine group. About 51.96%

patients’ blood concentration lower than the effective blood concentration,

3.92% higher than the effective blood concentration and 44.12% reached the

effective blood concentration in valproic acid group. The results showed that the

number of patients reached the effective blood concentration in valproic acid

group significantly lower than that of carbamazepine group (P<0.01), but the

number higher than the effective blood concentration in two groups was similar

(P>0.05). CONCLUSION The two groups’ patients, who were given the initial

dose of carbamazepine or sodium valproate, were different in reaching the

effective concentration. The elderly patients with epilepsy should be implemented

with individual administration.