Peer-review started: December 2, 2019
First decision: December 11, 2019
Revised: May 23, 2020
Accepted: June 10, 2020
Article in press: June 10, 2020
Published online: June 30, 2020
Processing time: 208 Days and 10.4 Hours
Seizures are not uncommon in renal transplant patients. The common aetiologies are metabolic disturbance associated with renal failure, immunosuppression and associated complications and infections. Their management can be challenging because of altered pharmacokinetics of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and their removal by dialysis. A practical approach to the management of seizure in renal transplant patients is discussed. This review highlights the guidelines for use of various AEDs in renal transplants.
Core tip: For selection of an antiepileptic drug (AED) in renal transplant patients: it should be a non-enzyme inducer; its metabolism and excretion should not be affected by renal failure; there are minimal dose adjustments with haemodialysis; the loading dose of most AED remain the same in renal impairment; and, sodium valproate is a good choice for an antiepileptic drug in renal transplant patients.