Epileptic Disorders
MENULacosamide-induced symptomatic sinus node dysfunction Volume 23, numéro 5, October 2021
TEST YOURSELF
(1) What is the mechanism of the antiepileptic action of lacosamide?
(2) What are some of the rare but serious adverse effects of lacosamide?
(3)What should be performed routinely when administrating lacosamide in the elderly?
Answers
(1) Lacosamide exerts anticonvulsant effects by the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels.
(2) Lacosamide-associated arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation/flutter, sinus node dysfunction, second- or third-degree atrioventricular block, ventricular tachycardia, and cardiac arrest are known to be rare but potentially serious adverse effects.
(3) In elderly patients, the dose of lacosamide should be reviewed with regular ECG and renal function monitoring.