lacosamide

Lacosamide is an antiepileptic (anticonvulsant) drug used to treat partial-onset seizures and, in combination with other medications, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is available as tablets, oral solution, extended-release capsules, and can also be administered intravenously. Lacosamide works primarily by enhancing the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels without affecting fast inactivation. This action stabilizes hyperexcitable neuronal membranes and inhibits repetitive neuronal firing. Additionally, lacosamide modulates collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2), which may help prevent abnormal neuronal connections associated with epilepsy. UCB developed lacosamide, which was first approved by the European Commission in August 2008 and by the FDA in October 2008.

Brand names

VimpatMotpoly XR

Other names

(R)-2-acetamido-N-benzyl-3-methoxypropionamide(2R)-2-(Acetylamino)-3-methoxy-N-(phenylmethyl)propanamide(+)-(2R)-2-(ACETYLAMINO)-N-BENZYL-3-METHOXYPROPANAMIDE(R)-LACOSAMIDE