Levetiracetam Induced Hyperkalemia – A Rare Side Effect in Elderly with Pre-Existing Subclinical Renal Insufficiency Presenting with Bradyarrhythmia
Abhishek Chande *
Department of General Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute Of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
Vidyashree Hulkoti
Department of General Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute Of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
Shivam Khanna
Department of General Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute Of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
Sunil Kumar
Department of General Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute Of Medical Sciences (Deemed to be University), Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Levetiracetam is a commonly used drug in today’s world for long term management of partial as well as generalized seizures mainly due its major advantage that is has so few and non-threatening side effects[1].In the following case scenario, we show how a 70 years old male presented with severe hyperkalemia and after no other common culprits were seen, it was thought to be a side effect therapy with levetiracetam and after discontinuing it and managing hyperkalemia, the patient’s condition improved from a very critical state. We also show a rare form ECG presentation of severe hyperkalemia in the form of bradyarrhythmia with absent P waves. Our experience shows that unpredictable and rare side effects of new anti-epileptic drugs should be given attention and such cases often go undiagnosed.
Keywords: Levetiracetam, epilepsy, hyperkalemia, bradyarrhythmia