Anticonvulsant Therapy in Children: An Update

• Published in: Journal of pharmacy practice 1996-02, Vol.9 (1), p.27-41
• Main Authors: Scala, Judith L., Poon, Cathy Y.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0897-1900; 1531-1937
• DOI: 10.1177/089719009600900104

Over the years, extensive research has led to the development of a new generation of anticonvulsant medications for the treatment of patients with intractable seizure disorders. Currently three new drugs have been approved in the United States since 1993, and many others have entered into the later stages of development. The purpose of this article is to discuss the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, clinical use, adverse effects, and dosage and administration of felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, and vigabatrin. Felbamate is indicated in children as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial and generalized seizures secondary to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Because of life-threatening adverse effects, including aplastic anemia and hepatotoxicity, felbamate is reserved for use only when the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks of toxicity. Presently, gabapentin is indicated as adjunctive treatment of partial seizures with or without generalization in patients older than 12 years of age. To date gabapentin has not been studied in patients younger than age 12 years. Even though lamotrigine is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for pediatric use, preliminary clinical trials show promising results in the treatment of partial and absence seizures as well as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Many studies have evaluated the use of vigabatrin for the treatment of intractable seizures. Seizure types most effectively treated include partial seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and possibly infantile spasms. Lamotrigine and vigabatrin should be used with caution in patients with myoclonic seizures because an increase in seizure frequency may occur. Copyright © 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company