Products
Felbamate is commercially available in tablet and suspension form (Taloxa). It has been approved in many countries since 1997.
Structure and properties
Felbamate (C11H14N2O4, Mr = 238.2 g/mol) is a dicarbamate. It exists as a white crystalline powder with a typical odor that is sparingly soluble in water.
Effects
Felbamate (ATC N03AX10) has antiepileptic properties. The exact mechanism of action is not known. Effects are attributed to interaction with NMDA and GABA receptors, among others. The half-life is 15 to 23 hours.
Indications
As a second-line agent for the adjunctive treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in adults and children 4 years of age and older who do not respond to other antiepileptic drugs.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. Medications are taken two to three times daily, independent of meals. Therapy is started gradually and the dose is adjusted individually.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Anamnestically known blood dyscrasias
- Liver dysfunction
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Felbamate is a substrate of CYP2E1 and CYP3A4.
Adverse effects
Felbamate can cause blood count abnormalities, hypersensitivity reaction, and hepatotoxicity and is therefore used only as a second-line agent. Common adverse effects include:
