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[Acetazolamide--are there reasons for its revival in antiepileptic treatment?]
1Statens senter for epilepsi, Sandvika.
Background:
Since 1950 the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide has been used as an antiepileptic drug. Because of its tolerance developing properties, acetazolamide has probably been bypassed by the new antiepileptic drugs on the market. However, when taken for 14 day periods with one week's stop in between, acetazolamide is still of value in the treatment of epilepsy.
Material And Methods:
The paper discusses acetazolamide and its present use in antiepileptic treatment in the light of existing internal control and quality assurance requirements in the medical services.
Results:
Irrespective og type of seizure, about 90% of patients have an initial reliable effect from acetazolamide, though it is uncertain how long the effect will last after repeated periods of use. As an additional drug, acetazolamide may be particularly well suited for women with menses-related seizures.
Interpretation:
Acetazolamide may be the drug of choice when drug interaction is a problem, when rapid onset of effect is wanted, or when an additional drug is needed for a short period of time only.