Lacosamide response

Lacosamide (brand name Vimpat) is an antiseizure drug indicated for adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in pediatric and adult patients with epilepsy. Lacosamide is thought to work by selectively enhancing slow inactivation of voltage-dependent sodium channels. This stabilizes the neuronal membrane and suppresses the repetitive neuronal firing associated with seizures. Several cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes are involved in metabolizing active lacosamide to an inactive metabolite, including CYP2C19. Individuals who have no CYP2C19 enzyme activity are known as "CYP2C19 poor metabolizers". The FDA-approved drug label for lacosamide cites a small study that found plasma levels of lacosamide were similar in CYP2C19 poor metabolizers (n=4) and normal (extensive) metabolizers (n=8). Therefore, the recommended standard doses of lacosamide may be used for CYP2C19 poor metabolizers.

Medical Genetics Summaries