Brivaracetam (Dosage)
Brivaracetam is an anticonvulsant medication used in the treatment of patients with epilepsy in adults and children from 4 years of age. It is usually used in conjunction with other medications to control seizures that only affect a part of the brain (so-called "partial-onset seizures").
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Brivaracetam works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Brivaracetam binds to the SV2A protein, which is present in the synaptic vesicle and is thought to be responsible for some of the seizure processes. The binding of brivaracetam to SV2A appears to be the main mechanism of action of this drug.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Hypersensitivity to brivaracetam and other pyrrolidone derivatives.
PRECAUTIONS
The safety and efficacy of brivaracetam have not yet been established in children under 4 years of age.
Taking brivaracetam may pose a risk of suicidal thoughts/behaviors, so it is very important to monitor the patient's psychology.
The prescription of brivaracetam is not recommended in kidney patients undergoing dialysis as there is no safety or efficacy data.
In patients with liver failure, extreme precautions should be taken before prescribing brivaracetam, as there is no safety or efficacy data for these patients. Adjust the dose very carefully and monitor the patient if it is decided to prescribe this medication.
SIDE EFFECTS
The most common side effects are: constipation, nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness or lack of energy.
More serious but less common side effects are: swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, and eyes, difficulty swallowing or breathing, hoarseness, hallucinations, delusions, suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
TRADE NAME
- Briviact®
Genes analyzed
Bibliography
Dean L. Brivaracetam Therapy and CYP2C19 Genotype. 2018 May 15. In: Pratt VM, Scott SA, Pirmohamed M, Esquivel B, Kattman BL, Malheiro AJ, editors. Medical Genetics Summaries [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Center for Biotechnology Information (US); 2012-.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Table of Pharmacogenetic Associations.
