Anti-Seizure Medication Monitoring in Pediatric Patients
1Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, USA.
Abstract:
Therapeutic drug monitoring of anti-seizure medications (ASMs) in pediatric patients presents unique challenges and considerations. In this article, the authors discuss pediatric physiology and developmental pharmacokinetics in the context of ASMs. Thirteen ASMs are discussed, including information on the history, mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics, relevant drug interactions, adverse effects, toxicity, and special considerations for monitoring tests. Specific drugs covered in this article are levetiracetam, brivaracetam, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, eslicarbazepine, clobazam, ethosuximide, lacosamide, lamotrigine, phenobarbital, valproic acid, zonisamide, and topiramate.
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