Successful treatment with gabapentin in the presence of hypersensitivity syndrome to phenytoin and carbamazepine: a report of three cases.
We report three consecutive patients with hypersensitivity syndrome (HSS) due to phenytoin and carbamazepine and successful treatment with gabapentin. HSS is a rare but potentially fatal reaction to multiple drugs including several anticonvulsants. Cross-reactivity among drugs may occur. Immediate withdrawal of the offending drug is the most important step in treatment. Benzodiazepines acutely and, after resolution of the hepatitis, valproic acid have been successfully used for seizure control in patients with HSS. Our cases indicate that gabapentin is also a safe anticonvulsant in HSS.
Hamer
H M
HM
Department of Neurology, University of Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmann-Strasse 8, Marburg, 35039, Germany. hamer@mailer.uni-marburg.de
Morris
H H
HH
D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002220:Carbamazepine / Q000009:adverse effects; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D004347:Drug Interactions; D017029:Epilepsy, Complex Partial / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D002220:Carbamazepine; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D014635:Valproic Acid; D010672:Phenytoin; D000077206:Gabapentin