Eslicarbazepine acetate: a new option for the treatment of focal epilepsy

Abstract

Background: Epilepsy is a neurological condition with an increased probability of seizure occurrence through time. Although many anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) exist, they fail to treat seizures in 30% of patients with epilepsy. For these patients, new AEDs potentially more efficacious and safe are developed. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) in the treatment of patients with refractory epilepsy. Methods: A review of the literature was carried out using PubMed central. A direct contact with the drug manufacturer and developer was made. Results/conclusion: ESL is an AED that acts by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels. It has proved efficacious in the treatment of patients with refractory focal-onset epilepsy with a good safety profile. Evaluation of its use for treating other epileptic syndromes and its role as an initial treatment option for patients with epilepsy is warranted.

Keywords::

• antiepileptic drugs
• eslicarbazepine acetate
• focal-onset epilepsy
• refractory epilepsy