Advanced search
Publication Cover
Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology Volume 10, 2014 - Issue 7
Submit an article Journal homepage
245
Views
15
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Reviews

Safety considerations for patients with epilepsy taking antiepileptic drugs alongside caffeine or other methylxanthine derivatives

Magdalena Chrościńska-KrawczykMedical University of Lublin, Department of Pediatrics, Endocrinology and Neurology, Chodzki 2, PL 20-093 Lublin, Poland
,
Iwona RadzikMedical University, Department of Pathophysiology, Jaczewskiego 8, PL 20-090 Lublin, Poland
,
Barbara MiziakMedical University, Department of Pathophysiology, Jaczewskiego 8, PL 20-090 Lublin, Poland
&
Stanisław J CzuczwarMedical University, Department of Pathophysiology, Jaczewskiego 8, PL 20-090 Lublin, Poland;Institute of Rural Health, Department of Physiopathology, Jaczewskiego 2, PL 20-950 Lublin, Poland+48 81 718 7365; +48 81 718 7364; [email protected]
Pages 981-989 | Published online: 21 May 2014
 
Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days

Abstract

Introduction: Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are widely used for the treatment of epilepsy. However, ∼ 30% of patients do not remain seizure free. It is possible that methylxanthine derivatives (e.g., caffeine and theophylline) may partially account for this outcome.

Areas covered: Data on the convulsive activity of methylxanthines are reviewed. The negative impact of caffeine and theophylline (or aminophylline) on the protective activity of classic and newer AEDs is also considered. Case report studies indicate that ingestion of caffeine may increase seizure frequency, which returns to baseline when the consumption of coffee or caffeine-rich drinks is terminated. However, the existing data also provide clinical evidence that caffeine may not be a trigger for precipitation of seizure activity and this discrepancy is evaluated.

Expert opinion: Experimental data indicate that caffeine and aminophylline both significantly reduce the anticonvulsant activity of a number of AEDs. Clinical data are controversial. Patients with epilepsy should be advised not to take methylxanthine-containing medications. Caffeine consumption, especially accidental and in huge quantities, should be avoided in patients with epilepsy.

Notes

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Log in via your institution

Access through your institution

Log in to Taylor & Francis Online

Restore content access

Restore content access for purchases made as guest
Purchase options * Save for later

PDF download + Online access

  • 48 hours access to article PDF & online version
  • Article PDF can be downloaded
  • Article PDF can be printed
USD 99.00 Add to cart

Issue Purchase

  • 30 days online access to complete issue
  • Article PDFs can be downloaded
  • Article PDFs can be printed
USD 727.00 Add to cart

* Local tax will be added as applicable

Related Research

People also read lists articles that other readers of this article have read.

Recommended articles lists articles that we recommend and is powered by our AI driven recommendation engine.

Cited by lists all citing articles based on Crossref citations.
Articles with the Crossref icon will open in a new tab.