Rufinamide: a new anti-epileptic medication.

Abstract

Rufinamide (1-[2,6-difluorobenzyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxamide) is a new anti-epileptic drug with a novel triazole derivative structure. The suspected mechanism of action is limitation of sodium-dependent action potentials, thought to result in a membrane stabilizing effect. Rufinamide is extensively metabolized in the liver by non-CYP450 enzymes with an elimination half-life of 8 - 12 h. Three randomized, placebo-controlled trials have shown that rufinamide is effective against partial seizures in adults. Efficacy in the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe, disabling childhood onset epilepsy syndrome, was shown in a single, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. It has recently been approved for treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in Europe. In the US it is under regulatory review. Most common adverse effects are somnolence, fatigue, dizziness, dipolopia, nausea and ataxia. Rufinamide has shown promise as adjunctive treatment for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and may have some role in localization related epilepsies as well.

• Authors: Shahin Hakimian, Andrea Cheng-Hakimian, Gail D Anderson, John W Miller
• Journal: Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy (Expert Opin Pharmacother) Vol. 8 Issue 12 Pg. 1931-40 (Aug 2007) ISSN: 1744-7666 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 17696794 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants
• Triazoles
• rufinamide

Topics

• Adult
• Animals
• Anticonvulsants (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Child
• Drug Interactions
• Epilepsy (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Syndrome
• Triazoles (adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, therapeutic use)