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Semin Neurol 2020; 40(06): 681-695
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718721
Review Article

Principles of Pharmacotherapy of Seizures and Status Epilepticus

Caroline Der-Nigoghossian
1   Department of Pharmacy, Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
,
Eljim P. Tesoro
2   Department of Pharmacy Practice (MC 886), College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
,
Micheal Strein
3   Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science and Neurosurgery, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
,
Gretchen M. Brophy
3   Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science and Neurosurgery, Medical College of Virginia Campus, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
› Author Affiliations
Funding Disclosure The contents of this manuscript were developed in part under a grant from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90AR5025). NIDILRR is a center within the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents of this manuscript do not necessarily represent the policy of NIDILRR, ACL, and HHS, and one should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
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Abstract

Status epilepticus is a neurological emergency with an outcome that is highly associated with the initial pharmacotherapy management that must be administered in a timely fashion. Beyond first-line therapy of status epilepticus, treatment is not guided by robust evidence. Optimal pharmacotherapy selection for individual patients is essential in the management of seizures and status epilepticus with careful evaluation of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors. With the addition of newer antiseizure agents to the market, understanding their role in the management of status epilepticus is critical. Etiology-guided therapy should be considered in certain patients with drug-induced seizures, alcohol withdrawal, or autoimmune encephalitis. Some patient populations warrant special consideration, such as pediatric, pregnant, elderly, and the critically ill. Seizure prophylaxis is indicated in select patients with acute neurological injury and should be limited to the acute postinjury period.

Keywords

status epilepticus - seizure - treatment - antiseizure drugs


Publication History

Article published online:
11 November 2020

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