Asymptomatic elevation of liver enzymes due to levetiracetam: a case report.

Abstract

Levetiracetam is a commonly used broad-spectrum anticonvulsant efficacious in both partial and generalized seizures. It has an extremely favorable side effect profile with few drug-drug interactions, low potential for hematological and hepatic toxicity, and thus has rapidly become the preferred drug in patients with traumatic brain injuries who need seizure prophylaxis. We report, here, a patient who was started on levetiracetam for seizure prophylaxis after developing large bifrontal-parietal traumatic subdural hematomas (SDH) following a fall from a horse necessitating bifrontal craniotomies for evacuation. The patient developed an asymptomatic elevation of the liver enzymes. The liver enzymes trended back to normal after levetiracetam was stopped, and topiramate was initiated in its place.

• Authors: Nitin K Sethi, Prahlad K Sethi, Josh Torgovnick, Edward Arsura, Frances Cukierwar
• Journal: Drug metabolism and drug interactions (Drug Metabol Drug Interact) Vol. 28 Issue 2 Pg. 123-4 ( 2013) ISSN: 0792-5077 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 23420283 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Levetiracetam
• Piracetam

Topics

• Anticonvulsants (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Levetiracetam
• Liver (drug effects, enzymology)
• Middle Aged
• Piracetam (adverse effects, analogs & derivatives)