
Times
Drug | Recommended Sampling Time |
CARBAMAZAPINE | Pre-dose |
VALPROATE | Pre-dose |
THEOPHYLLINE | Pre-dose |
PHENYTOIN | Pre-dose preferred* |
PHENOBARBITONE | Pre-dose preferred* |
LAMOTRAGINE | Pre-dose preferred* |
DIGOXIN | At least 6hrs Post-dose |
LITHIUM | 12hrs Post-dose (as near to) |
A steady state trough/pre-dose concentration (usually collected just before next dose) is the best and most reproducible parameter for monitoring as it’s the least variable point in the dosing interval.
Random tests may be requested if toxicity is suspected. Sampling at peak levels (timing varies depending on drug) or at the time of specific symptoms may detect such toxicity. To be effective, peak levels should be below toxic concentrations and pre-dose levels should remain in the therapeutic range.
*For drugs with long half-lives such as phenytoin and phenobarbitone, samples can be collected at any point in the dosage interval since fluctuations between peak and pre-dose concentrations at steady state are relatively small, however for consistency, pre-dose may be preferred
For meaningful interpretation it is important to know the length of time that has elapsed since the last dose, therefore time of last dose should be noted on the form by requestor, patient or phlebotomist.
When making comparative measurements, it is advisable that sampling time be consistent (ideally: pre-dose level).
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