Pharmacokinetic considerations in prescribing antiepileptic drugs

Each antiepileptic drug has a characteristic pharmacokinetic profile, and t he unique properties of each must be considered when selecting the optimal agent for a particular patient. Detailed pharmacologic data are obtained du ring the preapproval evaluation of a drug, particularly in early phase stud ies in healthy volunteers. Each drug is then evaluated in the target popula tion in later phase trials and in certain populations, such as children and individuals with various types of organ failure. Key considerations are bi oavailability, protein binding, metabolism and elimination, and drug intera ctions. Important pharmacokinetic considerations in the selection and use o f these drugs are presented in this review, with examples from currently av ailable drugs.