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Review
. 2017 Dec;13(4):329-342.
doi: 10.1007/s13181-017-0626-4. Epub 2017 Aug 16.

The Pharmacology and Toxicology of Third-Generation Anticonvulsant Drugs

Paul LaPenna  1 , Laura M Tormoehlen  2   3
Affiliations
Review

The Pharmacology and Toxicology of Third-Generation Anticonvulsant Drugs

Paul LaPenna et al. J Med Toxicol. 2017 Dec.

Abstract

Epilepsy is a neurologic disorder affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide, or about 0.7% of the population [1]. Thus, the use of anticonvulsant drugs in the treatment of epilepsy is common and widespread. There are three generations of anticonvulsant drugs, categorized by the year in which they were developed and released. The aim of this review is to discuss the pharmacokinetics, drug-drug interactions, and adverse events of the third generation of anticonvulsant drugs. Where available, overdose data will be included. The pharmacokinetic properties of third-generation anticonvulsant drugs include relatively fewer drug-drug interactions, as well as several unique and life-threatening adverse events. Overdose data are limited, so thorough review of adverse events and knowledge of drug mechanism will guide expectant management of future overdose cases. Reporting of these cases as they occur will be necessary to further clarify toxicity of these drugs.

Keywords: Anticonvulsants; Drug overdose; Epilepsy; Pharmacokinetics; Poisoning.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

None.

Sources of Funding

None.

Conflict Delineations

None.

References

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