Zonisamide: review of pharmacology, clinical efficacy, tolerability, and safety.
BACKGROUND
Zonisamide (ZNS), a sulphonamide derivative, is a new-generation anticonvulsant with multiple potential mechanisms that contribute to its antiepileptic efficacy and may also explain its as yet incompletely assessed utility for non-seizure disorders such as headaches, neuropathic pain, and weight loss.


OBJECTIVE
A review of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, evidence for efficacy in different seizure types and non-seizure conditions, adverse effects, and tolerability of ZNS is presented.


METHODS
A review of all manuscripts published in the English literature on ZNS was performed in preparing this manuscript.


CONCLUSIONS
ZNS has a broad label for use in Japan, while the regulatory bodies in the USA and Europe have approved it for use only as an adjunctive therapy for partial seizures in adults. It has favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics, proven efficacy in seizure disorders, and is well tolerated in long-term use.
Kothare
Sanjeev V
SV
Pediatric Sleep Medicine Training Program, Division of Epilepsy & Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. sanjeev.kothare@childrens.harvard.edu
Kaleyias
Joseph
J
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000078305:Zonisamide
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D007555:Isoxazoles; D000078305:Zonisamide