Vomiting in a child with epilepsy

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Vomiting in a child with epilepsy

Author: Pediatric Oncall

Question
A 4½ years old boy presented with vomiting for 3 days. He has epilepsy since 1½ years of age and has an episode of seizure once in 15 days. He was on carbamazepine and Phenytoin for the same. Carbamazepine had been increased to 45 mg/kg/day since past 1 week. There is no jaundice, pain in the abdomen. On examination, there is no significant finding. Serum drug level of Carbamazepine was 11.6 (Normal = 4-12), Serum Phenytoin was low. Liver transaminases were normal. The child was treated with anti-emetics, ranitidine, and antacids but vomiting did not subside.

What is the cause of vomiting?

Answer Discussion :

B

bill dawson

1

carbamazepine toxicity, may not tolerate the high normal range.

5 years ago

A

Azeem Walele

0

carbamazepine toxicity. the low phenytoin is probably due to enzyme induction. antiemetics etc increase tegretol levels. The blood result is probably spurious

5 years ago

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Answer 1

In this child, vomiting could be due to gastritis (? drug induced), drug-induced hepatitis or drug toxicity. Since liver transaminases were normal, drug-induced hepatitis seems to be unlikely. Though Phenytoin drug levels are low, carbamazepine drug levels are high normal range and could be the cause of vomiting. The child was subsequently shifted to ox-carbamazepine following which there was no episode of vomiting.

Vomiting in a child with epilepsy

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