Individualizing doses of antiepileptic drugs

Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2022 Mar;18(3):219-233. doi: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2075342. Epub 2022 May 23.

Abstract

Introduction: This review aims to identify the optimal therapeutic dosage of anti-epileptic drugs in terms of efficacy and safety in patients with multiple comorbidities.

Areas covered: We have analyzed changes in terms of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of Brivaracetam, Carbamazepine, Lacosamide, Lamotrigine, Levetiracetam, Topiramate, Valproate, and Zonisamide in liver disease, chronic kidney disease, and in patients admitted to intensive care unit. Our literature search covers the past 5 years. We used PubMed, Google Scholar, and EMBASE database's to support our article.

Expert opinion: To ensure that the patient with seizure receives the best treatment in relation to their comorbidities, careful clinical-laboratory monitoring is necessary to maximize effectiveness while maintaining safety, especially in the case of polytherapy.

Keywords: Brivaracetam; carbamazepine; chronic kidney disease; critical ill patients; epilepsy; lamotrigine; levetiracetam; liver disease topiramate; valproate; zonisamide.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants* / adverse effects
  • Carbamazepine* / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lamotrigine
  • Levetiracetam
  • Topiramate

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Topiramate
  • Carbamazepine
  • Levetiracetam
  • Lamotrigine