LEVETIRACETAM INDUCED URTICARIA IN PATIENT OF FOCAL SEIZURES; A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Drug rash due to medications are common and can be serious leading to increase in morbidity and mortality. Drug rash can be caused by antiepileptic medications also. We are reporting a case of cutaneous reaction secondary to levetiracetam. A 22 years old female presented to the hospital with history of three episodes of seizures. She was diagnosed with focal seizures with secondary generalization and was prescribed tablet levetiracetam 500 mg twice a day for seizure prophylaxis. After 3rd dose, the patient developed diffuse, erythematous and itchy rashes over whole body without any breathing difculties. Levetiracetam was discontinued, and tablet lacosamide 200 mg twice daily was substituted. After 1 day, the rash dissipated. Our case was classied as drug-induced urticaria with red itchy hives. The world health organization Uppsala monitoring Centre (WHO-UMC) causality assessment system suggested a probable/likely cause for levetiracetam-induced skin reaction. Levetiracetam seemingly have fewer side effects than the traditional antiepileptic medications but it is important for the healthcare providers to continuously monitor the medication for adverse effects, so that necessary modications and required labeling may be reformed in-time.