Effect of Anticonvulsant Drugs on Dicophane (D.D.T.) Residues in Man

Failure of ethanol and phenobarbitone to reduce organochlorine pesticide residues in sheep

“…This reduction, believed to be by the induction of microsomal enzymes, has been observed in human subjects taking phenytoin and phenobarbitone routinely for anticonsulvant therapy (Davies et al 1969;Schoor 1970;Kwalick 1971;Davies et al 1971;McQueen et al 1972). It has also been demonstrated in laboratory animals either by administration of the drug and pesticide concurrently, thereby reducing storage, or by eliminating pesticides which have already been stored in adipose tissue.…”

Anticonvulsant Drugs1 II

“…A modest elevation of phenytoin plasma level is not detrimental and may improve seizure control. (1971b) Meikle et al (1969 Morselli et al (1971) Davies et al (1969) Kwalick (1971); Watson et al (1972) Kater et al (1969) Vesel! Table X includes other interactions involving anticonvulsants.…”

The widespread use of pesticides

“…Since this is a symposium on drugs it is perhaps appropriate to draw attention to the observations of Davies, Edmundson, Carter, and Barquet (1969) that patients receiving anticonvulsant drugs, phenytoin and phenobarbitone, have much lower levels of DDT and DDE in their fat and their blood than patients in the same institution not receiving these drugs. This observation is consistent with the finding that these drugs stimulate the liver microsomes, as indeed does DDT, but of course the dose is much greater.…”