Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2026

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Hypersensitivity syndrome due to 2 anticonvulsant drugs
V Conilleau1, A Dompmartin, L Verneuil
1Department of Dermatology of Caen, France.
Abstract:
Drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome is a multiorgan-system reaction characterized by fever, pleomorphic eruption, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis and hepatitis. We report a drug hypersensitivity syndrome in a 6-year-old Tunisian child treated for epileptic absences with sodium valproate and ethosuximide. Imputability of these 2 drugs is probable because of the chronological and clinical features. Positive rechallenge with ethosuximide confirmed the toxicity of this drug. Sodium valproate was also responsible because patch testing was positive and followed by a generalized eruption. Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6) antibody titers increased significantly within 15 days. There was a favourable outcome after discontinuation of the drugs and corticosteroid therapy. Our case is interesting because this drug hypersensitivity syndrome occurred with non-aromatic anticonvulsant drugs. It is the 1st case with ethosuximide and the 2nd with sodium valproate. We also observed a reactivation of HHV6 infection that may contribute to the development of this hypersensitivity syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
Drug toxicity: Drug–Drug Interaction
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
Drug Toxicity: Allergic Reactions