Description
Antiepileptic drug.
Stabilize neuronal cell membranes by interfering with chloride transport across cell membranes and by potentiating the effect of GABA via hyperpolarizing membranes.
Indications: Adjunctive treatment in dogs with refractory seizure disorders, or for dogs that have unacceptable adverse effects related to phenobarbital or other AEDs.
The elimination half-life is extremely long (24 days) in dogs; therefore, it takes up to 4 months to achieve steady state kinetics.
Side effects: Approximately 25%–50% of cats develop signs of bronchial disease. Bitter taste, gastric irritation, nausea, polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, sedation, ataxia, and pancreatitis.
Dosage:
Adjunct therapy with phenobarbital 20–40 mg/kg q24h
Sole treatment 50–80 mg/kg q24h
Administered with food.
