Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic evaluation of eslicarbazepine for the treatment of epilepsy

Abstract

Introduction: Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a novel antiepileptic drug registered as the adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults. As a third-generation medication, ESL is believed to have favorable efficacy/safety profile and pharmacokinetic properties in comparison with related drugs (carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine).

Areas covered: The aim of the paper was to evaluate pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of ESL with aspect to epilepsy treatment. The review of the scientific literature was based on the PubMed database, Clinical Trials, FDA and European Medicines Agency websites to elicit current information on drug metabolism, mechanism of action and efficacy/safety profile.

Expert opinion: Results of clinical trials indicate that ESL possessed a favorable profile of anticonvulsant efficacy and tolerability as an add-on therapy in adult patients at daily doses of 800 and 1200 mg. Pediatric trials are in progress and their results will allow to characterize a role of ESL in the treatment of epilepsy in children.

Keywords:

• epilepsy
• eslicarbazepine
• eslicarbazepine acetate
• partial seizures

Declaration of interest

SJ Czuczwar has received an unrestricted grant from GlaxoSmithKline and has given lectures for GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi Aventis, Janssen and UCB. The other authors declare no conflicts of interest.