Molecule

Drug Groups

approved

Description

Mesuximide (or methsuximide) is an anticonvulsant medication. It is sold by Pfizer under the name Petinutin. [Wikipedia]

Indication

For the control of absence (petit mal) seizures that are refractory to other drugs.

Pharmacology

Used in the treatment of epilepsy. Methsuximide suppresses the paroxysmal three cycle per second spike and wave activity associated with lapses of consciousness which is common in absence (petit mal) seizures. The frequency of epileptiform attacks is reduced, apparently by depression of the motor cortex and elevation of the threshold of the central nervous system to convulsive stimuli.

Toxicity

Acute overdoses may produce nausea, vomiting, and CNS depression including coma with respiratory depression. Levels greater than 40 µg/mL have caused toxicity and coma has been seen at levels of 150 µg/mL.

Affected Organisms

Half Life

1.4-2.6 hours for mesuximide and 28-38 hours for the active metabolite.

References

External Links