The goal of pharmacologic therapy with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is to reduce the frequency of seizures and achieve a seizure-free state with minimal side effects. However 30% of patients treated with available AEDs continue to experience uncontrolled seizures. There is still need for new AEDs with enhanced effectiveness and tolerability. Areas covered: The present manuscript is based on an extensive Internet and PubMed search from 1992 to 2017. It is focused on the pharmacokinetic properties of lacosamide (LCM) for the treatment of partial-onset seizures. Expert opinion: LCM is an anticonvulsant approved as add-on treatment or monotherapy of partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization. LCM shares many of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of an ideal AED. LCM displays linear and dose-proportional pharmacokinetics, rapid and complete absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, low plasma-protein binding, renal excretion and a terminal half-life that supports twice-daily dosing. Because the bioavailability and tolerability of oral and intravenous LCM are comparable, LCM offers the advantage of direct conversion from oral to intravenous administration, and vice versa, without the need for titration or dose adjustment. Further studies are needed to determine optimal timing, dosing, as well as the safety and efficacy of LCM in status epilepticus.
Keywords: Absorption; distribution; elimination; lacosamide; partial-onset seizures; pharmacokinetic; status epilepticus; toxicology.