Eslicarbazepine acetate in epilepsies with focal and secondary generalised seizures: systematic review of current evidence. Issue 3 (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Willems, Laurent M.; Zöllner, Johann Philipp; Paule, Esther; Schubert-Bast, Susanne; Rosenow, Felix; Strzelczyk, Adam
• Is Part Of: Expert review of clinical pharmacology. Volume 11:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 309
• Page End: 324
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Eslicarbazepine acetate -- adjunctive therapy -- antiepileptic drug -- epilepsy -- seizures; Clinical pharmacology -- Periodicals; 615.105
• DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2018.1421066
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-2433

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction : Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL) is a third-generation antiepileptic drug (AED) approved for adjunctive treatment in adults, children, and adolescents with focal-onset seizures. Recently ESL was approved for initial monotherapy in adults. The intention of this article is to review current evidence for ESL and to summarise its pharmacological profile in comparison to other AEDs of the dibenzazepine group. Areas covered : We performed a systematic literature search in electronic databases (MEDLINE database, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Excerpta Medica dataBASE) using a combined search strategy including the following keywords: eslicarbazepine, epilepsy and seizure. The search was performed from 2000 until December 2017. Using a standardised assessment form, information on the study design, methodological framework, data sources and efficacy and adverse events attributed to ESL were extracted from each publication and systematically reported. Expert commentary : ESL is an effective, safe and well tolerated third-generation AED for the treatment of focal epilepsies. During therapy, especially serum sodium levels and possible interactions with other substances have to be monitored. As of yet, long-term experience is still needed to make severe late-occurring adverse events unlikely and to obtain data regarding its use in pregnancy.