The mechanisms of action of commonly used antiepileptic drugs

Kwan, P., Sills, G. J. and Brodie, M. J. (2001) The mechanisms of action of commonly used antiepileptic drugs. Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 90(1), pp. 21-34. (doi: 10.1016/S0163-7258(01)00122-X) (PMID:11448723)

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Abstract

In the past decade, nine new drugs have been licensed for the treatment of epilepsy. With limited clinical experience of these agents, the mechanisms of action of antiepileptic drugs may be an important criterion in the selection of the most suitable treatment regimens for individual patients. At the cellular level, three basic mechanisms are recognised: modulation of voltage-dependent ion channels, enhancement of inhibitory neurotransmission, and attenuation of excitatory transmission. In this review, we will attempt to introduce the concepts of ion channel and neurotransmitter modulation and, thereafter, group currently used antiepileptic drugs according to their principal mechanisms of action.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Brodie, Professor Martin and Sills, Dr Graeme
Authors: Kwan, P., Sills, G. J., and Brodie, M. J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0163-7258
ISSN (Online):1879-016X

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