Clinical utility, safety, and tolerability of ezogabine (retigabine) in the treatment of epilepsy.

One-third of patients with epilepsy continue to have seizures despite current treatments, indicating the need for better antiseizure medications with novel mechanisms of action. Ezogabine (retigabine) has recently been approved for adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures in adult patients with epilepsy. Ezogabine utilizes a novel mechanism of action, involving activation of specific potassium channels.

Profile of ezogabine (retigabine) and its potential as an adjunctive treatment for patients with partial-onset seizures.

Epilepsy is a common disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Approximately one-third of patients with epilepsy are refractory to available seizure medications, emphasizing the need to develop better drugs with novel mechanisms of action. Ezogabine, also known as retigabine, is a new potential adjunctive treatment for adults with intractable partial seizures.