A review of the newer antiepileptic drugs and the ketogenic diet.
Since 1994, three new antiepileptic drugs, felbamate, lamotrigene, and gabapentin, have been released for the treatment of epilepsy. The present paper provides an overview of these three drugs and reviews their potential uses in pediatric epilepsy even though felbamate is the only one with an approved use in children. Topiramate and vigabatrin, which are under investigation, are briefly reviewed. In addition, a discussion of the ketogenic diet is included because of its recent publicity. Patient examples included provide clinical illustrations for the reader.
Barron
T F
TF
Department of Pediatrics, The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey 17033, USA.
Hunt
S L
SL
D000085:Acetates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000367:Age Factors; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000078328:Felbamate; D005260:Female; D000077206:Gabapentin; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007657:Ketone Bodies / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D008297:Male; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D011409:Propylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012640:Seizures / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D014227:Triazines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid
D000085:Acetates; D000588:Amines; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003509:Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids; D007657:Ketone Bodies; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D011409:Propylene Glycols; D014227:Triazines; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid; D000077206:Gabapentin; D000077213:Lamotrigine; D000078328:Felbamate