Gabapentin: a new agent for the management of epilepsy

To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of gabapentin, a new antiepileptic drug (AED). Gabapentin's potential role in the treatment of epilepsy also was assessed.

A MEDLINE search was performed to identify all published literature (manuscripts and abstracts). Abstracts presented at the American Epilepsy Society, International Epilepsy Congress, and American Academy of Neurology meetings from 1991 to 1993 also were reviewed. A copy of the proceedings from the Food and Drug Administration Peripheral and Central Nervous System Advisory Committee meeting and package insert were obtained from Parke Davis.

All pertinent literature was reviewed. Emphasis was placed on published information, particularly placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Gabapentin is effective as adjunctive treatment for patients with partial seizures with or without secondary generalization refractory to the standard AEDs. It has a unique pharmacokinetic profile for an AED, including no binding to plasma proteins, primary elimination by the kidney, and dose-dependent oral absorption at high dosages. No drug interactions occur with the other AEDs. The most frequent adverse reactions noted in patients receiving gabapentin have been mild and transient central nervous system effects. No serious hypersensitivity or systemic reactions have been observed.

Gabapentin appears to be a useful new AED. Further studies evaluating its use as monotherapy, in higher dosages, and in pediatric and elderly patients are required to better delineate its therapeutic role relative to that of other AEDs.