Felbamate
Brand: Felbatol (US) / Felbamate (generic)
Anticonvulsant
NMDA receptor antagonist / GABA enhancer
Chemistry
| PubChem |
CID: 3331 |
Structure
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 20 hours |
| Bioavailability | 90 % (approx) |
| Protein Binding | 25 % |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.8 L/kg (approx) |
| Clearance Route | mixed |
| Active Metabolites | uncertain |
| Notes | Inhibits CYP2C19 and induces CYP3A4; reduces VPA levels; frequent interactions—monitor levels and LFTs. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Life-threatening
Adverse Effects:
Weight loss, insomnia, headache; **aplastic anemia**, **acute hepatic failure** (boxed warnings)
Contraindications:
History of blood dyscrasia or hepatic dysfunction
Precautions:
Obtain informed consent; frequent CBC/LFT monitoring; reserve for severe refractory cases.