Long-term safety and effectiveness of zonisamide in the treatment of epilepsy: a review of the literature
Gaetano Zaccara1, Luigi M Specchio21Unit of Neurology, Palagi Hospital, Firenze, Italy; 2University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti, Foggia, ItalyAbstract: Zonisamide (ZNS) efficacy and safety in epilepsy have been demonstrated in four double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. In the present article, we...
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| Formato: | article |
| Lenguaje: | EN |
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Dove Medical Press
2009
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| Acceso en línea: | https://doaj.org/article/6c86e20f645742899a1fa4950ebb98cb |
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| Sumario: | Gaetano Zaccara1, Luigi M Specchio21Unit of Neurology, Palagi Hospital, Firenze, Italy; 2University of Foggia, Ospedali Riuniti, Foggia, ItalyAbstract: Zonisamide (ZNS) efficacy and safety in epilepsy have been demonstrated in four double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. In the present article, we examined all long-term studies performed with this drug. Nine open-label studies, in which ZNS had been administered as an add-on or as monotherapy to epileptic patients for at least 6 months, were selected for our analysis. Four outcome measures were searched. Retention of this drug after 1 year varied between 45% and 65%. The percentages of patients achieving a 50% seizure reduction, with respect to baseline, ranged between 37% and 65%. In patients with drug-resistant forms of epilepsy, the percentage of patients reaching a 6-month seizure freedom period was 9%. The percentages of patients who discontinued the experimental drug due to adverse effects ranged between 4% and 24%. Somnolence and dizziness were the most frequently reported adverse effects. Long-term studies demonstrate that ZNS has a good efficacy and tolerability profile, and support its use as adjunctive therapy for epileptic patients.Keywords: antiepileptic drugs, zonisamide, long-term treatment, review, epilepsy |
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