Introduction
- Cenobamate is an anticonvulsant medication used primarily for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults.
- It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2019.
Mechanism of Action
- Cenobamate acts by enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission via positive allosteric modulation of GABA_A receptors (Sharma et al., 2020).
- It also reduces excitatory neurotransmission by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium channels, leading to stabilization of hyperexcitable neuronal membranes.
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Cenobamate is well absorbed orally, with peak plasma concentrations occurring approximately 1-4 hours after administration.
- Distribution: The drug is widely distributed throughout the body, with a high volume of distribution.
- Metabolism: Cenobamate is primarily metabolized in the liver via glucuronidation and oxidation.
- Elimination: The elimination half-life ranges from 50 to 60 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing. It is excreted primarily via the urine ( et al., 2021).
Indications
- Cenobamate is indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adult patients.
- It is used as an adjunctive therapy for patients who do not achieve adequate seizure control with other medications.
Dosage and Administration