title: Zonisamide.
abstract: Zonisamide (ZNS) is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug in both animal models of epilepsy and patients with epilepsy. It is effective for both localization-related and generalized epilepsies and appears to be particularly potent in progressive myoclonic epilepsy syndromes. Its pharmokinetic profile is favorable, with a long half-life and low protein binding. However, its insolubility may make the development of a parenteral formulation difficult. Its safety profile is good, although teratogenicity in animal models is of concern. Adult doses of 400-600 mg per day in two doses, with blood levels from 20 to 30 mg/ml, appear to be effective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55416, USA.
authors.forename: I E
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: Leppik
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004831:Epilepsies, Myoclonic / Q000188:drug therapy; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000078305:Zonisamide
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000078305:Zonisamide