Indications

Lacosamide is indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients 1 month of age and older. Lacosamide is indicated for adjunctive therapy in the treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 4 years of age and older.

Composition

Pharmacology

It is proposed that lacosamide's inhibition of sodium channels is responsible for analgesia. Lacosamide may be selective for inhibiting depolarized neurons rather than neurons with normal resting potentials. Pain and nociceptor hyperexcitability are associated with neural membrane depolarization. Lacosamide binds to collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2), a phosphoprotein which is expressed primarily in the nervous system and is involved in neuronal differentiation and control of axonal outgrowth. The role CRMP-2 of binding in seizure control is hasn't been elucidated. The precise mechanism by which Lacosamide exerts its anti-epileptic effects in humans remains to be fully elucidated. In vitro electrophysiological studies have shown that Lacosamide selectively enhances slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels, resulting in stabilization of hyperexcitable neuronal membranes and inhibition of repetitive neuronal firing.

Dosage & Administration

Recommended Dosages for Partial-Onset Seizures (Monotherapy or Adjunctive Therapy) in Patients 1 Month and Older, and for Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Adjunctive Therapy) in Patients 4 Years of Age and Older. Age and Body Weight Initial Dosage Titration (Incremental Steps) Maintenance Dosage Adults (≥17 years) Monotherapy: 100 mg twice daily (200 mg per day) Adjunctive therapy: 50 mg twice daily (100 mg per day) Increase by 50 mg twice daily (100 mg per day) every week Monotherapy: 150-200 mg twice daily (300-400 mg per day) Adjunctive therapy: 100-200 mg twice daily (200-400 mg per day) Pediatric patients (≥50 kg) 50 mg twice daily (100 mg per day) Pediatric patients (30-50 kg) 1 mg/kg twice daily (2 mg/kg per day) Increase by 1 mg/kg twice daily (2 mg/kg/day) every week 2-4 mg/kg twice daily (4-8 mg/kg/day) Pediatric patients (6-30 kg) 3-6 mg/kg twice daily (6-12 mg/kg/day) Pediatric patients <6 kg) 3.75-7.5 mg/kg twice daily (7.5-15 mg/kg/day) Lacosamide tablets and oral solution may be taken with or without food.

Contraindications

Laocsamide is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to either Laocsamide or to any excipients in Laocsamide.

Side Effects

The most common adverse reactions of Lacosamide are dizziness, headache, somnolence, ataxia, tremor, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, diplopia, blurred vision etc.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy : There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women and Lacosamide should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Lactation : Lacosamide is excreted in human breast milk. The known benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the unknown risks of infant exposure to Lacosamide.

Precautions & Warnings

Monitor patients for Suicidal behavior, Dizziness, Ataxia, PR interval prolongation, Atrioventricular block, Ventricular tachyarrhythmia, Atrial fibrillation, Atrial flutter, Syncope, Phenylketonuria, Multi-organ  hypersensitivity etc. when Lacosamide is prescribed.

Therapeutic Class

Atypical anti-depressant drugs

Storage Conditions

Do not store above 30°C. Keep away from light and out of the reach of children.