Neurológia pre prax 2/2015

News in farmacological treatment of epilepsy

The newest generation of antiepileptic drugs (AE), available since 2010, is reviewed: Eslicarbazepine – Zebinix®, Lacosamide – Vimpat®, Perampanel – Fycompa®, Retigabine – Trobalt®. The indication of treatment with retigabin was revised after finding adverse effects, especially of blue pigmentation of retina and nowadays is used only exceptionally. The other AE are beneficial for add-on therapy of partial and secondarily generalized seizures. The drugs are effective with minimal adverse effects. Their interactive potential is low and are suitable for combination with majority of other AE. Their pharmacokinetics is linear, absorption a metabolization fast, there is no need to control their serum levels. Dosing once, maximally twice daily increases not only the comfort for patients but also the compliance. New mechanisms of action are making them suitable for treatment of pharmacoresistant epilepsy.

Keywords: epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs, treatment.