indication

Used to control certain seizures in the treatment of epilepsy.

pharmacology

Phenacemide is a ureal anticonvulsant indicated for control of severe epilepsy, particularly mixed forms of complex partial (psychomotor or temporal lobe) seizures, refractory to other anticonvulsants. Phenacemide elevates the threshold for minimal electroshock convulsions and abolishes the tonic phase of maximal electroshock seizures. It also prevents or modifies seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol or other convulsants.

mechanism of action

Phenacemide binds to and blocks neuronal sodium channels or voltage sensitive calcium channels. This blocks or suppresses neuronal depolarization and hypersynchronization. Hypersynchronization is what often causes seizures.

toxicity

Oral, mouse: LD₅₀ = 987 mg/kg; Oral, rabbit: LD₅₀ = 2500 mg/kg; Oral, rat: LD₅₀ = 1600 mg/kg

biotransformation

Metabolized in the liver by hepatic microsomal enzymes, where it is inactivated by p-hydroxylation.

absorption

Almost completely absorbed.

half life

22-25 hours.