Retigabine

Retigabine

Retigabine is an anticonvulsant used as an adjunctive treatment for partial epilepsy. It is a selective potassium channel opener that acts on the KCNQ family of voltage-gated potassium channels, specifically the KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 subunits.

Pharmacology

Retigabine works by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It does this by opening the KCNQ (also known as Kv7) family of voltage-gated potassium channels, which helps to stabilize the resting membrane potential and reduce the excitability of neurons. This mechanism of action is unique among antiepileptic drugs.

Clinical Use

Retigabine is used as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults with epilepsy. It is typically used in combination with other antiepileptic drugs. The most common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, confusion, and tremor.

History

Retigabine was first synthesized in the 1980s by chemists at the University of Houston. It was later developed by the pharmaceutical companies Valeant Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline. The drug was approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2011 and by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States in 2011.

Controversies

In 2013, the FDA and EMA issued warnings about potential skin and eye discoloration associated with retigabine use. As a result, the drug is now only recommended for use when other treatments have been ineffective or not tolerated.

See Also

• Anticonvulsant
• Epilepsy
• Potassium channel
• Neurotransmitter
• GABA
• Valeant Pharmaceuticals
• GlaxoSmithKline
• European Medicines Agency
• Food and Drug Administration