Skip to main content

Toxicant-Induced Seizures

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Book cover Critical Care Toxicology

Abstract

Seizures are a common feature of high-dose and, in some instances, minor or therapeutic exposure to a variety of drugs, chemicals, and toxins. It is estimated that 6.1% of new-onset seizures could be drug related [1].

This chapter is a revision of the chapter on this topic by Kevin Wallace in the first edition of this text. Much of the material herein was contained in the chapter in the first edition.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 338.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 379.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Pesola GR, Avarsarala J. Bupropion seizure proportion among new-onset generalized seizures and drug related seizures presenting to an emergency department. J Emerg Med. 2002;22:235–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Bleck TP. Seizures. Balliere Clin Neurol. 1996;5:565–76.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Chua HC, Venketasubramanian N, Tan CB, Tjia H. Paradoxical seizures in phenytoin toxicity. Singapore Med J. 1999;40:276–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Perucca E, Gram L, Avanzin G, Dulac O. Antiepileptic drugs as a cause of worsening seizures. Epilepsia. 1998;39:5–17.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Zaccara G, Muscas GC, Messori A. Clinical features, pathogenesis and management of drug-induced seizures. Drug Safe. 1990;5:109–51.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Lowenstein DH. Status epilepticus: an overview of the clinical problem. Epilepsia. 1999;40 Suppl 1:S3–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Working Group on Status Epilepticus. Treatment of convulsive status epilepticus: recommendations of the Epilepsy Foundation of America’s Working Group on Status Epilepticus. JAMA. 1993;270:854–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Cascino GD. Generalized convulsive status epilepticus. Mayo Clin Proc. 1996;71:787–92.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. Fountain NB. Status epilepticus: risk factors and complications. Epilepsia. 2000;41 Suppl 2:S23–30.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Treiman DM, Meyers PD, Walton NY, et al. A comparison of four treatments for generalized convulsive status epilepticus. N Engl J Med. 1998;339:792–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Jagoda A, Riggio S. Nonconvulsive status epilepticus in adults. Am J Emerg Med. 1988;6:250–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Drislane FW, Schomer DL. Clinical implications of generalized electrographic status epilepticus. Epilepsy Res. 1994;19:111–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Towne AR, Waterhous EJ, Boggs JG, et al. Prevalence of nonconvulsive status epilepticus in comatose patients. Neurology. 2000;54:340–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Kaplan PW. Prognosis in nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Epileptic Disord. 2000;2:185–93.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Olson KR, Kearney TE, Dyer JE, et al. Seizures associated with poisoning and drug overdose. Am J Emerg Med. 1994;12:565–8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Thundiyil JG, Kearney TE, Olson KR. Evolving epidemiology of drug-induced seizures reported to a Poison Control Center System. J Med Toxicol. 2007;3:15–9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  17. Reichert C, Reichert P, Monnet-Tschudi F, et al. Seizure after single-agent overdose with pharmaceutical drugs: analysis of cases reported to a poison control center. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2014;52:629–34.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Hassanian-Moghaddam H, Farajidana H, Sarjami S, Owliaey H. Tramadol-induced apnea. Am J Emerg Med. 2013;31:26–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Taghaddosinejad F, Mehrpour O, Afshari R, et al. Factors related to seizure in tramadol poisoning and its blood concentration. J Med Toxicol. 2011;7:183–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. Schep LJ, Slaughter RJ, Hudson S, Place R, Watts M. Delayed seizure-like activity following analytically confirmed use of previously unreported synthetic cannabinoid analogues. Hum Exp Toxicol 2014;pii: 0960327114550886.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Schneir AB, Baumbacher T. Convulsion associated with the use of a synthetic cannabinoid product. J Med Toxicol. 2012;8:62–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Lapoint J, James LP, Moran CL, et al. Severe toxicity following synthetic cannabinoid ingestion. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2011;49:760–4.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Gugelmann H, Gerona H, Li C, et al. “Crazy monkey” poisons man and dog: human and canine seizures due to PB-22, a novel synthetic cannabinoid. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2014;52:635–8.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Schaumberg HH. Human neurotoxic disease. In: Spencer PS, Schaumberg HH, editors. Experimental and clinical neurotoxicology. 2nd ed. New York: Oxford University Press; 2000. p. 55–82.

    Google Scholar 

  25. Victor M, Ropper AH. Epilepsy and other seizure disorders. In: Adams and Victor’s principles of neurology. 7th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2001. p. 331–65.

    Google Scholar 

  26. Fisher RS. Animal models of the epilepsies. Brain Res Rev. 1989;14:245–78.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Brody TM, Larner J, Minneman KP, editors. Human pharmacology: molecular to clinical. 3rd ed. St. Louis: Mosby; 1998.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Khrestchatisky M, MacLennan AJ, Chiang MY, et al. A novel alpha-subunit in rat brain GABAA receptors. Neuron. 1989;3:745–53.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Smith CM, Reynard AM. Textbook of pharmacology. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1992. p. 278.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Olsen RW, Tobin AJ. Molecular biology of GABAA receptors. FASEB J. 1990;4:1469–80.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Olsen RW, DeLorey TM. GABA and glycine. In: Siegel GJ, Agranoff BW, Albers RW, et al., editors. Basic neurochemistry: molecular, cellular and medical aspects. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999. p. 335–46.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Squires RF, Saederup E. Antidepressants and metabolites that block GABAA receptors couple to 35S-t-butylbicyclophorothionate binding sites in rat brain. Brain Res. 1988;441:15–22.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Malatynska E, Knapp RJ, Ikeda M, Yamamura HI. Antidepressants and seizure-interactions at the GABA-receptor chloride-ionophore complex. Life Sci. 1988;43:303–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Pisani F, Spina E, Oteri G. Antidepressant drugs and seizure susceptibility: from in vitro data to clinical practice. Epilepsia. 1999;40 Suppl 10:S48–56.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Davies JA. Mechanisms of action of antiepileptic drugs. Seizure. 1995;4:267–72.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Miller J, Robinson A, Percy AK. Acute isoniazid poisoning in childhood. Am J Dis Child. 1980;134:290–2.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Oja SS, Kontro P. Neurochemical aspects of amino acid transmitters and modulators. Med Biol. 1987;65:143–52.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Wallace KL. Antibiotic-induced convulsions. Crit Care Clin North Am. 1997;13:741–62.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Narahashi T. Neuronal ion channels as the target sites of insecticides. Pharmacol Toxicol. 1996;79:1–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Uwai K, Ohashi K, Takay Y, et al. Virol A, a toxic trans-polyacetylenic alcohol of Cicuta virosa, selectively inhibits the GABA-induced Cl current in acutely dissociated rat hippocampal CA1 neurons. Brain Res. 2001;889:174–80.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Smith BA. Strychnine poisoning. J Emerg Med. 1990;8:321–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Dingledine R, McBain CJ. Glutamate and aspartate. In: Siegel GJ, Agranoff BW, Albers RW, et al., editors. Basic neurochemistry: molecular, cellular and medical aspects. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999. p. 315–33.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Hoffman PL, Grant KA, Snell LD, et al. NMDA receptors: role in ethanol withdrawal seizures. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1992;654:52–60.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Cendes F, Andermann F, Carpenter S, Cashman NR. Temporal lobe epilepsy caused by domoic acid intoxication: evidence for glutamate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity in humans. Ann Neurol. 1995;37:123–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Perl TM, Bedard L, Kosatsky T, et al. An outbreak of toxic encephalopathy caused by eating mussels contaminated with domoic acid. N Engl J Med. 1990;322:1775–80.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Matsumura N, Takeuchi C, Hishikawa K, et al. Glufosinate ammonium induces convulsion through N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in mice. Neurosci Lett. 2001;304:123–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Wirkner K, Poelchen LK, Muhlberg K, et al. Ethanol-induced inhibition of NMDA receptor channels. Neurochem Int. 1999;35:153–62.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. Rho JM, Donevan SD, Rogawski MA. Barbiturate-like actions of the propanediol dicarbamates felbamate and meprobamate. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1997;280:1383–91.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Tsai G, Coyle JT. The role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of alcoholism. Annu Rev Med. 1998;49:173–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Cavalheiro EA. The pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Ital J Neurol Sci. 1995;16:33–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. Turski L, Ikonomidou C, Turski WA, et al. Cholinergic mechanisms and epileptogenesis: the seizures induced by pilocarpine: a novel experimental model of intractable epilepsy. Synapse. 1989;3:154–71.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Savolainen KM, Hirvonen MR. Second messengers in cholinergic-induced convulsions and neuronal injury. Toxicol Lett. 1992;64–65:437–45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Lallement G, Dorandeu F, Filliat P, et al. Medical management of organophosphate-induced seizures. J Physiol. 1998;92:369–73.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Gupta YK, Malhotra J. Adenosinergic system as an endogenous anticonvulsant mechanism. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 1997;41:329–43.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Eldridge FL, Paydarfar D, Scott SC, Dowell RT. Role of endogenous adenosine in recurrent generalized seizures. Exp Neurol. 1989;103:179–85.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Shannon M, Maher T. Anticonvulsant effects of intracerebroventricular adenocard in theophylline-induced seizures. Ann Emerg Med. 1995;26:65–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Clark M, Post RM. Carbamazepine, but not caffeine, is highly selective for adenosine A1 binding sites. Eur J Pharmacol. 1989;164:399–401.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Skerlitt JH, Davies LP, Johnston GAR. A purinergic component in the anticonvulsant action of carbamazepine. Eur J Pharmacol. 1982;82:195–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Van Calker D, Steber R, Klotz K-N, Greil W. Carbamazepine distinguishes between adenosine receptors that mediate different second messenger responses. Eur J Pharmacol. 1991;82:195–7.

    Google Scholar 

  60. Lee TH, Chen SS, Su SL, Yang SS. Baclofen intoxication: report of four cases and review of the literature. Clin Neuropharmacol. 1992;15:56–62.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  61. Peng CT, Ger J, Yang CC, et al. Prolonged severe withdrawal symptoms after acute-on-chronic baclofen overdose. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1998;36:359–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Kofler M, Leis AA. Prolonged seizure activity after baclofen withdrawal. Neurology. 1992;42:697–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Stork CM, Hoffman RS. Characterization of 4-aminopyridine in overdose. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1994;32:583–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  64. Yamaguchi S, Rogawski MA. Effects of anticonvulsant drugs on 4-aminopyridine seizures in mice. Epilepsy Res. 1992;11:9–16.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  65. Hough LB. Histamine. In: Siegel GJ, Agranoff BW, Albers RW, et al., editors. Basic neurochemistry: molecular, cellular and medical aspects. 6th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999. p. 293–313.

    Google Scholar 

  66. Ikeda M, Dohi T, Tsujimoto A. Inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid release from synaptosomes by local anesthetics. Anesthesiology. 1983;58:495–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Stilman N, Masdeu JC. Incidence of seizures with phenytoin toxicity. Neurology. 1985;35:1769–72.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Neufeld MY. Exacerbation of focal seizures due to carbamazepine treatment in an adult patient. Clin Neuropharmacol. 1993;16:359–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  69. Snead OC, Hosy LC. Exacerbation of seizures in children by carbamazepine. N Engl J Med. 1985;313:916–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Yamamoto H. A hypothesis for cyanide-induced tonic seizures with supporting evidence. Toxicology. 1995;95:19–26.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Turchen SG, Manoguerra AS, Whitney C. Severe cyanide poisoning from the ingestion of an acetonitrile-containing cosmetic. Am J Emerg Med. 1991;9:264–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Herman LY. Carbon monoxide poisoning presenting as an isolated seizure. J Emerg Med. 1998;16:429–32.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Horowitz BZ, Albertson TE, O’Malley M, Swenson EJ. An unusual exposure to methyl bromide leading to fatality. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1998;36:353–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Lowenstein DH, Alldredge BK. Status epilepticus. N Engl J Med. 1998;338:970–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Hanhan UA, Fiallos MR, Orlowski JP. Status epilepticus. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2001;48:683–94.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Walton NY. Systemic effects of generalized convulsive status epilepticus. Epilepsia. 1993;34 Suppl 1:S54–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Chin L, Sievers ML, Herrier RN, Picchioni AL. Convulsions as the etiology of lactic acidosis in acute isoniazid toxicity in dogs. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1979;49:377–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Starr P, Klein-Schwartz W, Spiller H, et al. Incidence and onset of delayed seizures after overdoses of extended-release bupropion. Am J Emerg Med. 2009;27:911–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Fossieck B, Parker RH. Neurotoxicity during intravenous infusion of penicillin: a review. J Clin Pharmacol. 1974;14:504–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Geller RJ. Meperidine in patient-controlled analgesia: a near-fatal mishap. Anesth Analg. 1993;76:655–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Kaiko RF, Foley KM, Grabinski PY, et al. Central nervous system excitatory effects of meperidine in cancer patients. Ann Neurol. 1983;13:180–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  82. Mills KC. Serotonin syndrome: a clinical update. Crit Care Clin. 1997;13:763–83.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  83. Gumnit RJ, Risinger M, Leppik IE, et al. The epilepsies and convulsive disorders. In: Joynt RJ, Griggs RC, editors. Clinical neurology, vol. 3. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1998. p. 1–95.

    Google Scholar 

  84. Lowenstein DH, Aminoff MJ. Clinical and EEG features of status epilepticus in comatose patients. Neurology. 1992;42:100–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  85. Thundiyil JG, Rowley F, Papa L, Olson KR, Kearney TE. Risk factors for complications of drug-induced seizures. J Med Toxicol. 2011;7:16–23.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Boyd RE, Brennan PT, Deng J-F, et al. Strychnine poisoning: recovery from profound lactic acidosis, hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis. Am J Med. 1983;74:507–12.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  87. Szeto HH, Inturrisi CE, Houde R, Saal S. Accumulation of normeperidine, an active metabolite of meperidine, in patients with renal failure or cancer. Ann Intern Med. 1977;86:738–41.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  88. Semel JD, Allen N. Seizures in patients simultaneously receiving theophylline and imipenem or ciprofloxacin or metronidazole. South Med J. 1991;84:465–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  89. Hoffman A, Pinto E, Afargan M, Schattner A. Cyclosporine enhances theophylline neurotoxicity in rats. J Pharm Sci. 1994;83:559–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  90. Read SL, Frazee J, Shapira J, et al. Intracerebroventricular bethanechol for Alzheimer’s disease. Variable dose-related responses. Arch Neurol. 1990;47:1025–30.

    Google Scholar 

  91. Miles MV, Greenwood RS, Hussey B. Diagnostic pitfalls associated with amoxapine overdose: a case report. Am J Emerg Med. 1990;8:335–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  92. Simon RP. Physiologic consequences of status epilepticus. Epilepsia. 1985;26 Suppl 1:S58–66.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  93. Macaluso M, Zackula R, D’Empaire I, et al. Twenty percent of a representative sample of patients taking bupropion have abnormal, asymptomatic electroencephalographic findings. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2010;30:312–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  94. Walker MC, Howard RS, Smith SJ, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of status epilepticus on a neurological intensive care unit. QJM. 1996;89:913–20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  95. Offermanns S, Rosenthal W, editors. Encyclopedic reference of molecular pharmacology. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York; p. 80.

    Google Scholar 

  96. Moritoki H, Fukuda H, Kotani M, et al. Possible mechanism of action of diazepam as an adenosine potentiator. Eur J Pharmacol. 1985;113:89–98.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  97. Mehta AK, Kulkarni SK. Mechanism of potentiation by diazepam of adenosine response. Life Sci. 1984;24:81–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  98. Brown TM, Skop BP, Mareth TR. Pathophysiology and management of the serotonin syndrome. Ann Pharmacother. 1996;30:527–33.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  99. Sidell FR. Nerve agents. In: Sidell FR, Takafuji ET, Franz DR, editors. Medical aspects of chemical and biological warfare. Bethesda: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences; 1997. p. 129–79.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  100. Marquardt K, Albertson TE. Treatment of hydroxychloroquine overdose. Am J Emerg Med. 2001;19:420–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  101. Riou B, Barriot P, Rimailho A, Baud FJ. Treatment of severe chloroquine poisoning. N Engl J Med. 1988;318:1–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  102. Brophy GM, Bell R, Claassen J, et al. Guidelines for the evaluation and management of status epilepticus. Neurocrit Care. 2012;17:3–23.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  103. Towne AR, DeLorenzo RJ. Use of intramuscular midazolam for status epilepticus. J Emerg Med. 1999;17:323–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  104. Shah A, Eddleston M. Should phenytoin and barbiturates be used as second-line anticonvulsant therapy for toxicological seizures? Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2010;48:800–5.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  105. Tunnicliff G. Basis of the antiseizure action of phenytoin. Gen Pharmacol. 1996;27:1091–7.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  106. Rall TW, Schleifer LS. Drugs effective in the therapy of the epilepsies. In: Gilman AG, Goodman LS, Gilman A, editors. Goodman and Gilman’s the pharmacological basis of therapeutics. 6th ed. New York: Macmillan; 1980. p. 448–74.

    Google Scholar 

  107. Williams JD, editor. Chemotherapy. New York: Plenum Press; 1976. p. 339–44.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  108. Gerald MC, Massey JH, Spadaro DC. Comparative convulsant activity of various penicillins after intracerebral injection in mice. J Pharm Pharmacol. 1973;25:104–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  109. Weihrauch TR, Rieger H, Kohler H, et al. Influence of diazepam and phenytoin on penicillin-induced cerebral convulsions. Arzneimittelforschung. 1976;26:379–82.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  110. Sofia RD, Gordon R, Gels M, Diamantis W. Effects of felbamate and other anticonvulsant drugs in two models of status epilepticus in the rat. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol. 1993;79:335–41.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  111. Turski WA, Cavalheiro EA, Coimbra C, et al. Only certain antiepileptic drugs prevent seizures induced by pilocarpine. Brain Res. 1987;434:281–305.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  112. Derlet RW, Albertson TE. Anticonvulsant modification of cocaine-induced toxicity in the rat. Neuropharmacology. 1990;29:255–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  113. Devaud LL, Szot P, Murray TF. PK 11195 antagonism of pyrethroid-induced proconvulsant activity. Eur J Pharmacol. 1986;121:269–73.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  114. Sawaki K, Ohno K, Miyamoto K, et al. Effects of anticonvulsants on local anesthetic-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Pharmacol Toxicol. 2000;86:59–62.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  115. Stone WE, Javid MJ. Anticonvulsive and convulsive effects of lidocaine: comparison with those of phenytoin, and implications for mechanism of action concepts. Neurol Res. 1988;10:161–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  116. Hoffman A, Pinto E, Gilhar D. Effect of pretreatment with anticonvulsants on theophylline-induced seizures in the rat. J Crit Care. 1993;8:198–202.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  117. Blake KV, Massey KL, Hendeles L, et al. Relative efficacy of phenytoin and phenobarbital for the prevention of theophylline-induced seizures in mice. Ann Emerg Med. 1988;17:1024–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  118. Goldberg MJ, Spector R, Miller G. Phenobarbital improves survival in theophylline-intoxicated rabbits. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1986;24:203–11.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  119. Porter RJ, Cereghino JJ, Gladding GD, et al. Antiepileptic drug development program. Cleve Clin Q. 1984;51:293–305.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  120. Callaham M, Schumaker H, Pentel P. Phenytoin prophylaxis of cardiotoxicity in experimental amitriptyline poisoning. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1988;245:216–20.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  121. Alldredge BK, Lowenstein DH, Simon TP. Placebo-controlled trial of intravenous diphenylhydantoin for short-term treatment of alcohol withdrawal seizures. Am J Med. 1989;87:645–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  122. Chance JF. Emergency department treatment of alcohol withdrawal seizures with phenytoin. Ann Emerg Med. 1991;20:520–2.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  123. Rathlev NK, D’Onofrio G, Fish SS, et al. The lack of efficacy of phenytoin in the prevention of recurrent alcohol-related seizures. Ann Emerg Med. 1994;23:513–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  124. Reynolds HN, Teiken P, Regan ME, et al. Hyperlactatemia, increased osmolar gap, and renal dysfunction during continuous lorazepam infusion. Crit Care Med. 2000;28:1631–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  125. Cawley MJ. Short-term lorazepam infusion and concern for propylene glycol toxicity: case report and review. Pharmacotherapy. 2001;21:1140–4.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  126. Arbour RB. Propylene glycol toxicity related to high-dose lorazepam infusion: case report and discussion. Am J Crit Care. 1999;8:499–506.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  127. Chyka PA, Hornfeldt CS, Howland MA, et al. Prophylaxis of seizures after theophylline overdose. Pharmacotherapy. 1997;17:1044–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  128. Chin L, Sievers ML, Laird HE, et al. Evaluation of diazepam and pyridoxine as antidotes to isoniazid intoxication in rats and dogs. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1978;45:713–22.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  129. Chin L, Sievers ML, Herrier R, Picchioni AL. Potentiation of pyridoxine by depressants and anticonvulsants in the treatment of acute isoniazid intoxication in dogs. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1981;58:504–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  130. Haverkos GP, DiSalvo RP, Imhoff TE. Fatal seizures after flumazenil administration in patient with mixed overdose. Ann Pharmacother. 1994;28:1347–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  131. Fiut RE, Picchioni AL, Chin L. Antagonism of convulsive and lethal effects induced by propoxyphene. J Pharm Sci. 1966;55:1085–7.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  132. Gilbert PE, Martin WR. Antagonism of the convulsant effects of heroin, d-propoxyphene, meperidine, normeperidine and thebaine by naloxone in mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1975;192:538–41.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  133. Tortella FC, Cowan A, Adler MW. Studies on the excitatory and inhibitory influence of intracerebroventricularly injected opioids on seizure thresholds in rats. Neuropharmacology. 1984;23:749–54.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  134. Dirksen R, Coenen AM, van Luijtelaar EL. Naloxone enhances epileptogenic and behavioral effects of pentazocine in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1991;39:415–20.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  135. Spivey WH, Roberts JR, Derlet RW. A clinical trial of escalating doses of flumazenil for reversal of suspected benzodiazepine overdose in the emergency department. Ann Emerg Med. 1993;22:1813–21.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  136. Winkler E, Almog S, Kriger D, et al. Use of flumazenil in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with coma of unknown etiology. Crit Care Med. 1993;21:538–42.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  137. Hojer J, Baihrendtz S, Matell G, Gustafsson LL. Diagnostic utility of flumazenil in coma with suspected poisoning: a double blind, randomized controlled study. BMJ. 1990;301:1308–11.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  138. Weinbroum A, Rudick V, Sorkine P, et al. Use of flumazenil in the treatment of drug overdose: a double blind and open clinical study in 110 patients. Crit Care Med. 1996;24:199–206.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  139. Brown LA, Levin GM. Role of propofol in refractory status epilepticus. Ann Pharmacother. 1998;32:1053–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  140. Merigian KS, Browning RG, Leeper KV. Successful treatment of amoxapine-induced refractory status epilepticus with propofol (diprivan). Acad Emerg Med. 1995;2:28–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  141. Stecker MM, Kramer TH, Raps EC, et al. Treatment of refractory status epilepticus with propofol: clinical and pharmacokinetic findings. Epilepsia. 1998;39:18–26.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  142. Yasiry Z, Shorvon SD. The relative effectiveness of five antiepileptic drugs in treatment of benzodiazepine-resistant convulsive status-epilepticus: a meta-analysis of published studies. Seizure. 2014;23:167–74.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  143. Waterhouse IJ, DeLorenzo RJ. Status epilepticus in older patients: epidemiology and treatment options. Drugs Aging. 2001;18:133–42.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  144. Segeleon JE, Haun SE. Status epilepticus in children. Pediatr Ann. 1996;25:380–6.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  145. DeLorenzo RJ, Towne AR, Pellock JM, Ko D. Status epilepticus in children, adults and the elderly. Epilepsia. 1992;33 Suppl 4:S15–25.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  146. Herzlinger RA, Kandall SR, Vaughan HG. Neonatal seizures associated with narcotic withdrawal. J Pediatr. 1977;91:638–41.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  147. Macdonald MG, Getson PR, Glasgow AM, et al. Propylene glycol: increased incidence of seizures in low birth weight infants. Pediatrics. 1987;79:622–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  148. Finkelstein Y, Hutson JR, Freedman SB, Wax P, Brent J. Drug-induced seizures in children and adolescents presenting for emergency care: current and emerging trends. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2013;51:761–6.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Philippe E. Hantson .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Grading System for Levels of Evidence Supporting Recommendations in Critical Care Toxicology, 2nd Edition

  1. I

    Evidence obtained from at least one properly randomized controlled trial.

  2. II-1

    Evidence obtained from well-designed controlled trials without randomization.

  3. II-2

    Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies, preferably from more than one center or research group.

  4. II-3

    Evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention. Dramatic results in uncontrolled experiments (such as the results of the introduction of penicillin treatment in the 1940s) could also be regarded as this type of evidence.

  5. III

    Opinions of respected authorities, based on clinical experience, descriptive studies and case reports, or reports of expert committees.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this entry

Cite this entry

Hantson, P.E. (2017). Toxicant-Induced Seizures. In: Brent, J., et al. Critical Care Toxicology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17900-1_7

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics