Anticonvulsant Action of a 1,5‐Benzodiazepine, Clobazam, in Reflex Epilepsy

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Abstract
Clobazam, an anxiolytic 1,5-benzodiazepine, was evaluated as an anticonvulsant in 2 animal models. In mice showing sound induced seizures, clobazam, 1-4 mg/kg, i.p., blocked seizure responses for 1-2 h. In Senegalese baboons Papio papio showing photically induced myoclonus or seizures, clobazam, 2-12 mg/kg, i.v., totally prevented such responses for up to 6 h. In baboons pretreated with allylglycine, 170-185 mg/kg, a similar but briefer protection was induced by clobazam. Neurological toxicity was not prominent (transient, slight nystagmus after clobazam, 2-6 mg/kg; muscular hypotonia after clobazam, 12 mg/kg). The possibility that 1,5-benzodiazepines are superior to 1,4-benzodiazepines in the therapy of epilepsy requires clinical investigation.