Comparison of steady-state blood levels of two carbamazepine formulations

The steady-state plasma level produced by brand-name carbamazepine (CBZ) (Tegretol, Ciba-Geigy) was compared with a generic formulation (Parke-Davis) in 10 subjects with partial epilepsy in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over clinical trial. In addition, seizure frequency and clinical and laboratory signs of toxicity were evaluated. Our results failed to show any difference in CBZ blood levels, seizure frequency, or clinical or laboratory signs of toxicity in patients receiving either the brand-name or generic formulation.