Use of acetazolamide as an adjunct to carbamazepine in refractory partial seizures

Epilepsia. 1989 Jan-Feb;30(1):74-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1157.1989.tb05285.x.

Abstract

Acetazolamide (Diamox) (AZM) was evaluated as an adjunct to carbamazepine (CBZ) monotherapy in 48 refractory partial seizure patients at a tertiary care referral center. Patient ages ranged from 6 to 64 years (average 28 years). Seizure frequencies for the pre-AZM baseline period (CBZ monotherapy) were compared with the seizure frequencies at different daily doses of AZM. Patients with a 50% decrease in seizure frequency were considered responders. Twenty-one patients were responders (44%) and three became completely seizure-free. Effective doses ranged from 3.8 to 22.0 mg/kg/day. Effective plasma concentrations ranged from 1 to 22 micrograms/ml in selected patients. Durations of response time to AZM ranged from 3 to 30 months (average 12.9 months). Three patients lost response, one temporarily. Side effects were seen in 10 patients, requiring discontinuation in three.

MeSH terms

  • Acetazolamide / adverse effects
  • Acetazolamide / blood
  • Acetazolamide / therapeutic use*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Carbamazepine / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Epilepsies, Partial / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsies, Partial / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Osmolar Concentration

Substances

  • Carbamazepine
  • Acetazolamide