Nursing interventions for anticonvulsant drug interactions.

Abstract

The management of epilepsy or seizure disorder commonly includes drug therapy. Optimal treatment may involve single-drug regimens, but multiple agents are often required. Although any pharmacological agent can be involved in a drug interaction, anticonvulsants are often implicated. As more drugs are prescribed for the patient, the potential for drug interactions increases. This article reviews the background of anticonvulsant drug interactions, the most common interactions encountered, and nursing interventions useful in monitoring potential interactions. Suggestions for nursing research are given.