Possibilities of using intravenous forms of antiepileptic drugs in epileptic seizures

: The literature data on using intravenous forms of AEDs that expand treatment possibilities for patients with epilepsy are presented. AEDs can be used in different situations, when patients are not able to take AEDs in per os. These situations can include seizure emergencies (recurrent seizures, clusters, status epilepticus), caused by disease decompensation; acute symptomatic seizures; perioperative preparation in the case of surgery; dysphagia; gastrointestinal problems; psychiatric disorders, and others. This article is based on a review of International and Russian expert consensus practice guidelines for management of clinical situations mentioned above. The authors present data on available Russian parenteral forms of drugs used today (valproats, levetiracetam, lacosamide, diazepam, midazolam, propofol, thiopental potassium). It has been concluded that an ideal intravenous AED should be highly effective, acts fast, has no severe adverse effects, has low drug-drug interactions, does not require frequent plasma concentration monitoring, and should be easily switched to a per os form without any additional titration. The importance of separate treatment approaches on different stages of medical help is emphasized. The choice of drug used can be influenced by a particular clinical situation, indications/contraindications, the recommended infusion speed, side effects, possible drug-drug interactions with other AEDs and other drugs used for the treatment of concomitant diseases, availability of a particular drug at the moment and the level of a physician's knowledge of usage of intravenous forms of AEDs.