Abstracts

RATIONALE: Zonegran [tm] (zonisamide, ZNS) is a novel anticonvulsant drug, chemically classified as a sulfonamide, approved in the US for adjunctive treatment of partial seizures. ZNS has been widely used in Japan for over eleven years to treat various seizures types as both monotherapy and adjunctive therapy. ZNS is considered a broad-spectrum agent due to its sodium and calcium (T-type) channel blocking properties. This study evaluates the effectiveness and tolerability of ZNS monotherapy in patients with partial seizures at our clinic.
METHODS: Data from a 4-month, open-label trial using ZNS as monotherapy in 12 patients diagnosed with partial seizures was analyzed. Seven patients had partial seizures only; 5 patients had partial seizures that secondarily generalized. Patients met the criteria for seizure diagnosis based on history, physical examination, and electroencephalogram. Maintenance doses of ZNS ranged from 100 mg - 400 mg/day, depending on the occurrence of breakthrough seizures.
RESULTS: Seven patients (58.3 %) have been seizure free for 3 months on 200 mg or less of ZNS daily. No patients discontinued ZNS. Adverse effects were limited to mild sedation, which cleared with dose reduction.
CONCLUSIONS: ZNS is an effective and easily-tolerated medication when used as monotherapy for partial seizures and partial seizures with secondary generalization. Further studies may be indicated regarding effective dose recommendations and long-term effectiveness.
Support: Elan Pharmaceuticals