Drug-Induced Seizures and Management Strategies
Summary
Drug-induced seizures represent a significant challenge in clinical practice, arising from a diverse array of medications and toxic exposures. Agents implicated range from central nervous system stimulants and psychotropic drugs to antibiotics and metabolic toxins. Seizure mechanisms include direct neuronal hyperexcitability, disruption of inhibitory neurotransmission, electrolyte disturbances and pharmacokinetic interactions leading to elevated drug levels. Clinical presentations vary from isolated tonic–clonic events to life-threatening status epilepticus. Management strategies centre on rapid stabilisation with airway, breathing and circulation support, followed by prompt administration of benzodiazepines. Identification and removal of the offending agent—through activated charcoal, enhanced elimination techniques or drug discontinuation—are essential. Adjunctive antiepileptic drugs may be required for seizure prophylaxis, while emerging approaches focus on predictive biomarkers and individualised dosing algorithms. Globally, these insights inform safer prescribing practices, improved pharmacovigilance and multidisciplinary care pathways to mitigate neurological morbidity.
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Drug-Induced Seizures and Management Strategies publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in drug-induced seizures and management strategies across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Status epilepticus: A neurological emergency characterised by continuous or recurrent seizures lasting more than five minutes without recovery of consciousness.
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs): Medications that modulate neuronal ion channels or neurotransmitter systems to prevent the initiation or spread of epileptic discharges.
Renal replacement therapy: Medical procedures, including haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, used to substitute for impaired kidney function and remove neurotoxic substances.
Neurotoxicity: Harmful effects of chemical agents on the structure or function of the nervous system, often manifesting as seizures or encephalopathy.
References
- Drugs Implicated In Seizures and Its Management. Journal of pharmacology & clinical research (2017).
- UNFORESEEN COMPLICATION OF TRAMADOL ADMINISTRATION: A CASE REPORT. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research (2024).
- Antiepileptic therapy in a patient with star fruit intoxication: A case report. Medicine (2023).
- Hypophosphatemia as Potential Biomarker of Tonic-Clonic Seizures in the Emergency Room. Sinapse (2024).
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