Macroglossia Associated With Clobazam Administration: A Case Report and Literature Review

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Neurology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Clobazam, a benzodiazepine derivative, is an established antiepileptic medication.
• It is frequently prescribed for focal seizures, generalized seizures, and drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.
• Commonly documented side effects include somnolence and mood disturbances.

Observation:

• This report details a pediatric patient with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
• The patient developed acute macroglossia, characterized by significant tongue swelling and protrusion, shortly after commencing Clobazam therapy.
• The macroglossia was unresponsive to standard treatments like antihistamines and steroids.

Findings:

• Acute macroglossia is a previously unreported adverse effect of Clobazam.
• Discontinuation of Clobazam led to the gradual resolution of tongue swelling.
• No long-term complications were observed in the patient.

Implications:

• Clinicians should be aware of acute macroglossia as a potential, albeit rare, side effect of Clobazam.
• Prompt recognition and discontinuation of Clobazam may be crucial for managing this adverse event.
• This finding expands the known side effect profile of Clobazam in pediatric epilepsy management.