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Review Article

Lacosamide for the treatment of epilepsy

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Pages 674-679 | Received 17 Feb 2011, Accepted 27 Jun 2011, Published online: 01 Mar 2012
 

Abstract

Lacosamide is a third-generation antiepilepsy drug approved for adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults. The pharmacology of lacosamide includes linear kinetics, complete bioavailability, and no major drug interactions. Lacosamide produces slow inactivation of neuronal sodium channels, which differentiates it from other sodium channel modulators, such as carbamazepine and phenytoin. The drug was effective with no major safety problems detected in three large placebo-controlled pivotal trials and has been released in Europe and the US at 200–400 mg/day, divided b.i.d.; an intravenous formulation is approved for temporary conversion from oral therapy. This article reviews the clinical development, pharmacology, and uses of lacosamide for treating partial-onset seizures in adults.

Declaration of interest: Gregory Krauss is an investigator and consultant for studies funded by UCB Pharma, Eisai Laboratories and Icagen Pharmaceuticals. Gregory Krauss is an investigator for the Epilepsy Research Foundation, the Epilepsy Study Consortium and NINDS. All other authors report no disclosures. UCB Pharma was offered the opportunity to review the medical accuracy of this article. Any changes resulting from comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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