Electroencephalographic and Electrocardiographic Effect of Intravenous Lacosamide in Refractory Focal Epilepsy

Lacosamide selectively enhances slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels to achieve seizure reduction. We studied the effect of intravenous lacosamide given as one of three single doses on EEG and electrocardiogram, as well as its tolerability in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

This Canadian, investigator-initiated, multicenter, double-blind study recruited patients with refractory focal epilepsy admitted to a seizure monitoring unit. Participants received a loading dose of 100, 200, or 400 mg lacosamide over 30 minutes during continuous monitoring by video-EEG and 12-lead electrocardiogram. The number of interictal spikes, frequency and quantity of background EEG rhythms, corrected QT interval (QTc), PR interval, heart rate (HR), blood pressure, and respiration rate during 60 minutes before the administration were compared with 60 minutes after the infusion. We documented any adverse event during and after the infusion.

Seventy-one patients completed the study. There was a significant decrease in interictal spikes (P = 0.039) and decreased frequency of the alpha rhythm (P = 0.003). No significant difference in beta, theta, and delta frequency or amount was noted. There were significant increases in PR interval (153.4-155.8 ms, P = 0.031) and HR (73.4-75.5 bpm, P = 0.022), but QTc, blood pressure, and respiration rate were not affected. Twelve patients (16.9%) experienced transient and mild adverse events, mainly dizziness and leg tingling. More adverse events occurred with 400 mg lacosamide than with the lower doses (P = 0.048).

Intravenous lacosamide is effective in decreasing interictal spikes. Despite a small effect on EEG and electrocardiogram rhythms, it is well tolerated with no serious adverse events.