Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) associated with the use of antiseizure medications—An overview of clinical data

The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) released a warning regarding Drug Reactions with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) linked to the use of antiseizure drugs, including levetiracetam and clobazam, on November 28, 2023. Hence, our review focuses on DRESS associated with the use of antiseizure drugs, including Levetiracetam, Clobazam, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Valproate, Oxcarbazepine, and Lamotrigine. The online databases, such as Medline/Pubmed/PMC, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Ebsco, Embase, and reference lists, were searched for relevant publications. Several case reports and reviews of pharmacovigilance data by different regulatory bodies were published regarding DRESS associated with antiseizure drugs. Management strategies for DRESS may include immediate discontinuation of offending medication, administration of systemic corticosteroids, and administration of cyclosporine and intravenous immunoglobulin in cases that are not responding to systemic corticosteroids. Early detection and treatment of DRESS by healthcare professionals is necessary to lower mortality and improve outcomes. The US FDA advises healthcare professionals to be aware of the connection between DRESS and specific antiseizure medications. Patients should be informed by medical professionals about the symptoms and signs of DRESS as well as the risks associated with it. In conclusion, DRESS syndrome, though rare, is a serious hypersensitivity reaction linked to antiseizure drugs like levetiracetam and clobazam. Early detection and discontinuation of the offending drug, coupled with systemic corticosteroids, are essential for effective management. Healthcare professionals must be vigilant in identifying DRESS to reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes.