MedlinePlus a609001 ATC code N03AF03 (WHO) Molar mass 238.19 g/mol | Routes of
administration By mouth (tablets) CAS ID 106308-44-5 | |
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AHFS/Drugs.com Consumer Drug Information License data EU EMA: Inovelon
US FDA: Rufinamide Pregnancy
category US: C (Risk not ruled out) | ||
Rufinamide is an anticonvulsant medication. It is used in combination with other medication and therapy to treat Lennox–Gastaut syndrome and various other seizure disorders. Rufinamide, a triazole derivative, was developed in 2004 by Novartis Pharma, AG, and is manufactured by Eisai.
Rufinamide was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration on November 14, 2008 as adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children 4 years and older and adults. Its official FDA-approved labeling does not mention use in the treatment of partial seizures inasmuch as clinical trials submitted to the FDA were marginal. However, several recent clinical trials suggest that the drug has efficacy for partial seizures It is marketed under the brand name Banzel. It is also marketed in the European Union under the brand name Inovelon.
The mechanism of action of rufinamide is unknown. There is some evidence that rufinamide can modulate the gating of voltage-gated sodium channels, a common target for antiepileptic drugs. A recent study indicates subtle effects on the voltage-dependence of gating and the time course of inactivation in some sodium channel isoforms that could reduce neuronal excitability. However, this action cannot explain the unique spectrum of activity of rufinamide.