Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
New drugs for pediatric epilepsy
Catherine J Chu-Shore1, Elizabeth A Thiele
1Pediatric Epilepsy Program, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
The development of new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) offers improved options for treating epilepsy, with a focus on enhanced safety and efficacy in pediatric populations. This review details six recently approved or pending AEDs, aiding clinicians in treatment selection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The past two decades have seen significant advancements in antiepileptic drug (AED) development.
- Newer AEDs aim for improved usability, reduced interactions, fewer side effects, and novel mechanisms, potentially offering neuroprotection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review six recently approved or pending antiepileptic medications in the United States.
- To provide child neurologists with comprehensive information to guide AED selection for pediatric epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Review of drug development history.
- Analysis of proposed mechanisms of action.
- Evaluation of pharmacokinetics, dosing, clinical efficacy, and tolerability.
Main Results:
- Detailed profiles of lacosamide, rufinamide, vigabatrin, retigabine, brivaracetam, and clobazam.
- Information on efficacy, safety, and pediatric-specific considerations for each drug.
Conclusions:
- The availability of new AEDs expands treatment options for pediatric epilepsy.
- Understanding the unique features of each new medication is crucial for optimal clinical decision-making.
More Related Videos
09:57Electromagnetic Source Imaging in Presurgical Evaluation of Children with Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Published on: September 20, 2024
10:22Interictal High Frequency Oscillations Detected with Simultaneous Magnetoencephalography and Electroencephalography as Biomarker of Pediatric Epilepsy
Published on: December 6, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...