RECENT ADVANCES IN DRUG-THERAPY FOR EPILEPSY

  • 1 January 1979
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 120  (7) , 817-+
Abstract
Recent advances in drug therapy for epilepsy have contributed to the reduction in the proportion of persons whose epilepsy is uncontrolled. New knowledge of the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin has led to a better understanding of the drug''s bioavailability and uses. Carbamazepine has recently been introduced for the treatment of generalized tonic-clonic and partial seizures. Clonazepam is of particular benefit in the treatment of absence and myoclonic seizures. Valproic acid is a promising antiepileptic drug with broad-spectrum activity and is particularly useful in the treatment of absence and myoclonic seizures, although further clinical experience is required before it can supplant ethosuximide as the preferred drug for the treatment of absence seizures. Monitoring of the plasma concentration of antiepileptic drugs adds greatly to the achievement of optimal drug therapy and the prevention of toxic effects.