TQ is a 72-year-old man who was diagnosed with partial-onset epilepsy 1 year ago. Family members report that during seizure episodes, TQ falls to the ground, his body is very stiff, and he shakes for at least 1 minute. These incidents are followed by confusion and disorientation lasting as long as 45 minutes. TQ has a history of hypertension and elevated cholesterol, as well as a family history of seizures and stroke.

The patient’s neurologist has considered prescribing a new antiepileptic drug (AED) to decrease the frequency of TQ’s seizures. The decision requires consideration of age-related complications and pharmacokinetic characteristics that include affect treatment efficacy. Since 2012, several new AEDs were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of partial-onset epilepsy. The pharmacist can play a key role in promoting optimal treatment of older patients with partial-onset epilepsy, especially in educating the healthcare team and helping to minimize drug-drug interactions

Discuss New Therapies for Partial-Onset Epileptic Seizures