Controlled trial of frusemide as an antiepileptic drug in focal epilepsy

Abstract

The antiepileptic activity of oral frusemide (120 mg daily) was compared with that of an identical placebo in a double-blind crossover trial in fourteen patients with severe focal epilepsy who were receiving long-term therapy with established antiepileptic drugs. A statistically significant reduction in the frequency of focal fits was seen with the active drug. Marked drowsiness occurred in three patients during frusemide therapy, causing their withdrawal from the trial. A slight, but significant, rise in serum phenobarbitone concentrations was observed during frusemide therapy, but no change was seen in serum primidone or phenytoin concentrations. Frusemide significantly lowered plasma sodium and potassium concentrations, and increased plasma bicarbonate.