Interpretive Handbook
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Test 500108:
Clonazepam, Serum
Clinical Information 
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Clonazepam is benzodiazepine derivative that is useful alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of the Lennix-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic and myoclonic seizures. Clonazepam has been shown to be effective in patients with absence seizures (petit mal) who have failed to respond to succinimide therapy. In some studies, up to 30% of patients have shown a loss of anticonvulsant activity, often within 3 months of administration. In some cases, dosage adjustment may reestablish efficiency.
Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Clonazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine restricted in use to those patients who have responded for seizure control only to diazepam, but who no longer respond to diazepam within non-toxic levels. It is an effective anticonvulsant, but used only as a last resort due to its side effects.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
No significant cautionary statements
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
Therapeutic concentration: 20-60 ng/mL
Toxic concentration: >100 ng/mL
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