ZONISAMIDE (ZONEGRAN) IN THE TREATMENT OF EPILEPSY IN ADULTS AND CHILDREN (A REVIEW AND CLINICAL CASE)

Abstract

Despite the significant progress made in epileptology, resistant epilepsies constitute approximately 30 % of all forms of epilepsy. An overview of recent literature is provided on the efficacy and safety of a new antiepileptic drug zonisamide (Zonegran) in the treatment of epilepsy with emphasis on monotherapy. The mode of action, pharmacokinetic characteristics, the effectiveness and tolerance of zonisamide in resistant focal epilepsy, as well as other types of seizures and forms of epilepsy are described. Indications for use of the drug are discussed. Also a wider potential for application of zonisamide are described: in the treatment of generalized seizures, in monotherapy as well as in children and adolescents. At present, Zonegran is registered for application in children from 6 years and older, with focal seizures, in additional therapy. The authors present their own observation of high efficacy of zonisamide in adjunctive therapy in a child of 9 years with cryptogenic focal epilepsy. Onset of epileptic seizures at the age of 5 months. Since the onset of the disease the child has received a lot of antiepileptic drugs in various combinations, with no significant effect. Zonisamide (Zonegran) was introduced in therapy 4 months ago in combination with the valproate acid drug (which the child received over the years), and since the release to the full dose epileptic seizures are absent up to present. It should be noted that there was not a single remission of four-month duration since the onset of the disease. Moreover, normalization of sleep has been noted. Tolerability of the therapy is good. No side effects were noted.

Keywords

• epilepsy
• focal seizures
• resistant forms of epilepsy
• zonisamide
• polytherapy
• monotherapy
• mode of action
• pharmacokinetic
• efficacy
• tolerability
• children