Lacosamide
Lacosamide is an antiepileptic medication used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults and children. It works by selectively enhancing the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels, which stabilizes neuronal membranes and reduces repetitive neuronal firing. This medication can be used as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy with other antiepileptic drugs.
Lacosamide is an antiepileptic drug used to control partial-onset seizures by stabilizing neuronal membranes through enhanced slow inactivation of sodium channels.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N03AX18
- RxNorm
- 623400
- Generic
- Lacosamide
- Class
- atc-n03
- Brands
- Motpoly, Vimpat
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, capsule, solution, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring, fetal ultrasound
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks, consider dose adjustment near term
close fetal monitoring, assess newborn for sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment typically needed
use with caution, monitor infant for excessive drowsiness
observe infant for sedation, poor feeding, developmental changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower end of dosing range
use with caution due to increased fall risk, renal function decline with age
monitor renal function, watch for dizziness and balance issues
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 4 17 yearsweight-based dosing required
approved for partial-onset seizures in children 4 years and older
regular weight monitoring for dose adjustment, monitor for behavioral changes
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentreduce maximum dose to 250mg daily
use with caution, may require dose reduction in severe renal impairment
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate hepatic impairmentreduce maximum dose to 300mg daily
use with caution in moderate hepatic impairment, not recommended for severe
monitor hepatic function during treatment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentavoid use
not recommended in severe hepatic impairment
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval for Vimpat
Drug class
Antiepileptic drug classification
Primary indication
Main therapeutic use for epilepsy treatment
Mechanism of action
Enhances slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels
Lacosamide is indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and children aged 1 month and older. It may be used as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy in combination with other antiepileptic medications.
Lacosamide selectively enhances the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels. This action stabilizes neuronal membranes and reduces the ability of neurons to fire repetitively, thereby decreasing seizure activity.
Common side effects may include dizziness, headache, and double vision. Patients should be monitored for mood changes or signs of depression. Lacosamide may cause dizziness and drowsiness; alcohol should be avoided. Dosage adjustments may be needed in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Always follow prescribing physician's instructions and do not discontinue abruptly.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy