Extended-release formulations in epilepsy.
In the past years, the extended-release antiepileptic drug formulations have been developed and then approved for the treatment of many types of epilepsy. Among these extended-release formulations of antiepileptic drugs, the main drugs are valproic acid, carbamazepine, and phenytoin. This review analyzes the chemical and structural characteristics of the extended-release formulations of these 3 antiepileptic drugs, analyzing their bioequivalence and the studies about their clinical use. The results of these studies are encouraging and suggest a good tolerability and efficacy of these extended-release formulations, although larger studies are needed.
Verrotti
Alberto
A
Department of Medicine, Section of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Italy. averrott@unich.it
Salladini
Carmela
C
Di Marco
Giovanna
G
Pisciella
Floriana
F
Chiarelli
Francesco
F
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations