20 Scopus citations

Abstract

One-third of patients with epilepsy continue to have seizures despite current treatments, indicating the need for better antiseizure medications with novel mechanisms of action. Ezogabine (retigabine) has recently been approved for adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures in adult patients with epilepsy. Ezogabine utilizes a novel mechanism of action, involving activation of specific potassium channels. The most common side effects of ezogabine are shared by most antiseizure medications and primarily consist of central nervous system (CNS) symptoms, such as somnolence, dizziness, confusion, and fatigue. In addition, a small percentage of patients on ezogabine experience a unique adverse effect affecting the bladder, which results in urinary hesitancy; thus, patients on ezogabine should be monitored carefully for potential urological symptoms. Overall, ezogabine appears to be well tolerated and represents a reasonable new option for treating patients with intractable epilepsy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)81-86
Number of pages6
JournalDrug, Healthcare and Patient Safety
Volume4
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 25 2012

Keywords

  • Antiepileptic drug
  • Bladder
  • Potassium channels
  • Seizure

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