Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: BRIVARACETAM versus DILANTIN.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: BRIVARACETAM versus DILANTIN.
BRIVARACETAM vs DILANTIN
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Brivaracetam is a high-affinity synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) ligand, binding to SV2A with 15- to 30-fold higher affinity than levetiracetam. It modulates neurotransmitter release, reducing neuronal excitability. It also inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels at clinically relevant concentrations.
Phenytoin stabilizes neuronal membranes and decreases seizure activity by increasing efflux or decreasing influx of sodium ions across cell membranes in the motor cortex during generation of nerve impulses. It acts by blocking voltage-dependent sodium channels, thereby inhibiting the spread of seizure activity.
50 mg orally twice daily, with or without food. May increase to 100 mg twice daily based on tolerability and efficacy. Maximum 200 mg twice daily.
300–400 mg/day orally in 2–3 divided doses; IV loading dose 15–20 mg/kg at max 50 mg/min, then 300 mg/day IV divided 2–3 times daily.
None Documented
None Documented
Clinical Note
moderateBrivaracetam + Sulfisoxazole
"The metabolism of Sulfisoxazole can be decreased when combined with Brivaracetam."
Clinical Note
moderateBrivaracetam + Erythromycin
"The metabolism of Erythromycin can be decreased when combined with Brivaracetam."
Clinical Note
moderateBrivaracetam + Cyclosporine
"The metabolism of Cyclosporine can be decreased when combined with Brivaracetam."
Clinical Note
moderateBrivaracetam + Fluconazole
Terminal elimination half-life is approximately 9 hours in adults with normal renal function. In patients with severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min), half-life is prolonged to about 20-30 hours, requiring dose adjustment.
Average 22 hours (range 7-42 hours) in adults. Dose-dependent; increases with higher concentrations due to saturable metabolism. In neonates: 10-15 hours. In chronic use, half-life may increase.
Approximately 95% of the dose is excreted renally, with about 8-12% as unchanged drug and the remainder as metabolites (primarily by hydrolysis to the carboxylic acid metabolite). Fecal excretion accounts for less than 1%.
Primarily hepatic metabolism to inactive metabolites (p-hydroxyphenyltoin and glucuronide conjugate). Less than 5% excreted unchanged in urine. Fecal excretion minimal (<2%).
Category C
Category C
Anticonvulsant
Anticonvulsant
"The metabolism of Fluconazole can be decreased when combined with Brivaracetam."