Newer anti-epileptic drugs.

Abstract

NEED AND PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

A number of newer anti-epileptic drugs have been developed in the last few years to improve the treatment outcomes in epilepsy. In this review, we discuss the use of newer anti-epileptic drugs in children.

METHODS USED FOR LOCATING, SELECTING, EXTRACTING AND SYNTHESIZING DATA:

MEDLINE search (1966-2013) was performed using terms newer anti-epileptic drugs, Oxcarbazepine, vigabatrin, topiramate, zonisamide, levetiracetam, lacosamide, rufinamide, stiripentol, retigabine, eslicarbazepine, brivaracetam, ganaxolone and perampanel for reports on use in children. Review articles, practice parameters, guidelines, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series were included. The main data extracted included indications, efficacy and adverse effects in children.

MAIN CONCLUSIONS:

Oxcarbazepine is established as effective initial monotherapy for children with partial-onset seizures. Vigabatrin is the drug of choice for infantile spasms associated with tuberous sclerosis. Lamotrigine, levetiracetam and lacosamide are good add-on drugs for patients with partial seizures. Lamotrigine may be considered as monotherapy in adolescent females with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Levetiracetam is a good option as monotherapy for females with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Topiramate is a good add-on drug in patients with epileptic encephalopathies such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and myoclonic astatic epilepsy.

• Authors: Satinder Aneja, Suvasini Sharma
• Journal: Indian pediatrics (Indian Pediatr) Vol. 50 Issue 11 Pg. 1033-40 (Nov 08 2013) ISSN: 0974-7559 [Electronic] India
• PMID: 24382900 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anticonvulsants

Topics

• Anticonvulsants (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Child
• Epilepsy (drug therapy)
• Humans
• India