Efficacy and safety of rufinamide in pediatric epilepsy. (May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hsieh, David T.; Thiele, Elizabeth A.
• Is Part Of: Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders. Volume 6:Number 3(2013)
• Page Start: 189
• Page End: 198
• Publication Date: 2013-05
• Subjects: anticonvulsants -- epilepsy -- Lennox–Gastaut syndrome -- rufinamide; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Degeneration -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Nervous System Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; Neurodegenerative Diseases -- Periodicals; Système nerveux -- Maladies -- Périodiques; Système nerveux -- Dégénérescence -- Périodiques; Système nerveux; Système nerveux -- Maladies -- Traitement -- Périodiques; 616.805
• DOI: 10.1177/1756285613481083
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-2856

Abstract

Rufinamide is a novel anticonvulsant medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008 for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome in patients 4 years of age and older, based upon clinical trials demonstrating clinical efficacy and tolerability. Rufinamide is especially effective for tonic–atonic seizures in Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, but is subsequently proving to be safe and effective in clinical practice for a broad patient population with refractory epilepsy. Although further research and clinical experience is needed, rufinamide holds the promise to positively impact the care of children with epilepsy. In this review, we review the use of rufinamide in pediatric epilepsy, with a focus on efficacy and safety.