ASSAY AND PHARMACOKINETICS OF CLONAZEPAM IN HUMANS

Abstract

We have developed a gas chromatographic assay for the determination of clonazepam in human plasma, by which it is possible to follow the plasma concentrations after therapeutic doses. The kinetic pattern of clonazepam in patients is by far not fully explored. However, the usual concentrations lie between 10 and 50 microgram/1 plasma, and the half-life for the ultimate elimination phase seems to be between one or two days. The dosage per day and kg bodyweight is fairly well correlated to the peak concentration in plasma, but this in turn is not well correlated to the anti-epileptic effect in our preliminary examinations.