How often should Anti Epileptic Drugs be given
AEDs should be given at least every half-life.
Some medications may need to be given more frequently because of peak-dose side effects.
For example, patients tolerate two or three daily doses of ethosuximide better than a single daily dose.
In some cases, pharmacokinetics (i.e., drug metabolism, half-life) may not match pharmacodynamics (i.e., drug effect), and medication is given at intervals longer than the half-life.
For example, levetiracetam has a half-life of 6 to 8 hours but is given twice daily.
