Add-on therapy in epilepsy with calcium entry blockers.
In view of the known role of Ca2+ in the paroxysmal depolarization shifts of epileptic neurones, the possibility arises that certain Ca2+ entry blockers possess antiepileptic activity. The only drug of the class which readily passes the blood-brain barrier is flunarizine. This is effective in experimental models of epilepsy and produced significant seizure reduction in two therapeutic trials in therapy-resistant patients. It has few and mild side effects at therapeutic blood levels.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005444:Flunarizine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D005444:Flunarizine