title: Toxic effects of drugs used in the ICU. Anticonvulsant agents.
abstract: Anticonvulsant agents are often placed into two groups: those that complicate drug administration in a relatively predictable manner and those that cause idiosyncratic reactions that are relatively unpredictable, unheralded, and frequently quite severe. This article examines the toxic effects of anticonvulsant drugs used to treat diseases commonly seen in the intensive care unit (ICU), where the situation is complicated by the severity of the primary pathologic condition, which frequently involves the use of drugs that may have a significant effect on the blood levels and efficacy of the anticonvulsant drugs. Complications associated with the route of drug administration and their signs and symptoms are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville.
authors.forename: F E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Dreifuss
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003422:Critical Care; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D012640:Seizures / Q000188:drug therapy; D013226:Status Epilepticus / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants