Ezogabine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 25, 2023.

Pronunciation

(e ZOG a been)

Index Terms

• D-23129
• EZG
• Retigabine
• RTG

Dosage Forms

Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product

Tablet, Oral:

Potiga: 50 mg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #2 (indigotine)]

Potiga: 200 mg [DSC]

Potiga: 300 mg [DSC], 400 mg [DSC] [contains fd&c blue #2 (indigotine)]

Brand Names: U.S.

• Potiga [DSC]

Pharmacologic Category

• Anticonvulsant, Neuronal Potassium Channel Opener

Pharmacology

Ezogabine binds the KCNQ (Kv7.2-7.5) voltage-gated potassium channels, thereby stabilizing the channels in the open formation and enhancing the M-current. As a result, neuronal excitability is regulated and epileptiform activity is suppressed. In addition, ezogabine may also exert therapeutic effects through augmentation of GABA-mediated currents.

Absorption

Rapid

Distribution

V_dss: 2 to 3 L/kg

Metabolism

Glucuronidation via UGT1A4, UGT1A1, UGT1A3, and UGT1A9 and acetylation via NAT2 to an N-acetyl active metabolite (NAMR) and other inactive metabolites (eg, N-glucuronides, N-glucoside)

Excretion

Urine (~85%, 36% of total dose as unchanged drug, 18% of total dose as NAMR); feces (~14%, 3% of total dose as unchanged drug)

Time to Peak

Plasma: 0.5 to 2 hours; delayed by 0.75 hours when administered with high-fat food

Half-Life Elimination

Ezogabine and NAMR: 7 to 11 hours; increased by ~30% in elderly patients

Protein Binding

Ezogabine: ~80%; N-acetyl active metabolite (NAMR): ~45%

Special Populations: Renal Function Impairment

The AUC was increased by ~30% in patients with mild renal impairment and doubled in patients with moderate impairment to ESRD (CrCl <50 mL/minute) relative to healthy subjects.

Special Populations: Hepatic Function Impairment

The AUC was increased by ~50% in subjects with moderate hepatic impairment and doubled in subjects with severe hepatic impairment. There was an increase of ~30% in exposure to NAMR in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment.

Special Populations: Elderly

The AUC was ~40% to 50% higher and terminal half-life was prolonged by ~30% in elderly patients compared with younger subjects.

Special Populations: Gender

The AUC values were ~20% higher in younger females compared with younger males and ~30% higher in elderly women compared with elderly men. The C_max values were ~50% higher in younger females compared with younger males and ~100% higher in elderly women compared with elderly men.

Use: Labeled Indications

Partial-onset seizures: As adjunctive treatment for partial-onset seizures in patients ≥18 years who have responded inadequately to several alternative treatments and for whom the benefits outweigh the risk of retinal abnormalities and potential decline in visual acuity

Contraindications

There are no contraindications listed in the manufacturer’s labeling.

Dosing: Adult

Note: Potiga has been discontinued in the US for more than 1 year.

Partial-onset seizures, adjunct: Oral: Initial: 100 mg 3 times daily; may increase at weekly intervals in increments of ≤150 mg per day to a maintenance dose of 200 to 400 mg 3 times daily based on tolerability (maximum: 400 mg 3 times daily [1,200 mg per day]). In clinical trials, no additional benefit and an increase in adverse effects was observed with doses >900 mg per day. Note: If there is no substantial benefit after adequate titration, then discontinue use and consider other treatment options.

Dosing: Geriatric

Partial-onset seizures, adjunct: Oral: Initial: 50 mg 3 times daily; may increase at weekly intervals in increments of ≤150 mg per day to a maximum dose of 250 mg 3 times daily (750 mg per day). Note: If there is no substantial benefit after adequate titration, then discontinue use and consider other treatment options.

Administration

Administer in 3 equally divided doses daily with or without food. Swallow tablets whole; do not break, crush, dissolve, or chew. If therapy is discontinued, gradually reduce dose over at least 3 weeks unless safety concerns require abrupt withdrawal.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F).

Drug Interactions

Alcohol (Ethyl): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ezogabine. Alcohol (Ethyl) may increase the serum concentration of Ezogabine. Monitor therapy

Alizapride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Azelastine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Avoid combination

Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Blonanserin. Management: Use caution if coadministering blonanserin and CNS depressants; dose reduction of the other CNS depressant may be required. Strong CNS depressants should not be coadministered with blonanserin. Consider therapy modification

Brexanolone: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Brexanolone. Monitor therapy

Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Bromopride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Bromperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Avoid combination

Buprenorphine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine at lower doses in patients already receiving CNS depressants. Consider therapy modification

Cannabidiol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Cannabis: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

CarBAMazepine: May decrease the serum concentration of Ezogabine. Management: Consider increasing the ezogabine dose when adding carbamazepine. Monitor patients using the combination closely for evidence of adequate ezogabine therapy. Consider therapy modification

Chlormethiazole: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Consider therapy modification

Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

CNS Depressants: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Dimethindene (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Doxylamine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: The manufacturer of Diclegis (doxylamine/pyridoxine), intended for use in pregnancy, specifically states that use with other CNS depressants is not recommended. Monitor therapy

Dronabinol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Droperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Consider therapy modification

Esketamine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunitrazepam. Management: Reduce the dose of CNS depressants when combined with flunitrazepam and monitor patients for evidence of CNS depression (eg, sedation, respiratory depression). Use non-CNS depressant alternatives when available. Consider therapy modification

Fosphenytoin-Phenytoin: May decrease the serum concentration of Ezogabine. Management: Consider increasing the ezogabine dose when adding phenytoin. Patients using this combination should be monitored closely for evidence of adequate ezogabine therapy. Consider therapy modification

Haloperidol: QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Caution) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of Haloperidol. Monitor therapy

HydrOXYzine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Kava Kava: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

LamoTRIgine: Ezogabine may decrease the serum concentration of LamoTRIgine. Monitor therapy

Lemborexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Consider therapy modification

Lisuride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Lofexidine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Magnesium Sulfate: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Mefloquine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anticonvulsants. Mefloquine may decrease the serum concentration of Anticonvulsants. Management: Mefloquine is contraindicated for malaria prophylaxis in persons with a history of convulsions. If anticonvulsants are being used for another indication, monitor anticonvulsant concentrations and treatment response closely with concurrent use. Consider therapy modification

Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce the usual dose of CNS depressants by 50% if starting methotrimeprazine until the dose of methotrimeprazine is stable. Monitor patient closely for evidence of CNS depression. Consider therapy modification

Metoclopramide: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

MetyroSINE: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of MetyroSINE. Monitor therapy

Mianserin: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anticonvulsants. Monitor therapy

Minocycline (Systemic): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Nabilone: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Opioid Agonists: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Consider therapy modification

Orlistat: May decrease the serum concentration of Anticonvulsants. Monitor therapy

Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Orphenadrine. Avoid combination

Oxomemazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Avoid combination

Oxybate Salt Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Oxybate Salt Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, dose reduction or discontinuation of one or more CNS depressants (including the oxybate salt product) should be considered. Interrupt oxybate salt treatment during short-term opioid use Consider therapy modification

OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Consider therapy modification

Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Paraldehyde. Avoid combination

Perampanel: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Patients taking perampanel with any other drug that has CNS depressant activities should avoid complex and high-risk activities, particularly those such as driving that require alertness and coordination, until they have experience using the combination. Consider therapy modification

Piribedil: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Piribedil. Monitor therapy

Pramipexole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Pramipexole. Monitor therapy

QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk): QT-prolonging Agents (Indeterminate Risk - Caution) may enhance the QTc-prolonging effect of QT-prolonging Agents (Highest Risk). Management: Monitor for QTc interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when these agents are combined. Patients with additional risk factors for QTc prolongation may be at even higher risk. Monitor therapy

ROPINIRole: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of ROPINIRole. Monitor therapy

Rotigotine: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of Rotigotine. Monitor therapy

Rufinamide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Specifically, sleepiness and dizziness may be enhanced. Monitor therapy

Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Consider therapy modification

Tetrahydrocannabinol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Thalidomide. Avoid combination

Trimeprazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Monitor therapy

Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Consider therapy modification

Test Interactions

May falsely elevate serum and urine bilirubin assays

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

>10%:

Central nervous system: Dizziness (dose related; 15% to 32%), drowsiness (dose related; 15% to 27%), fatigue (13% to 16%), confusion (dose related; 4% to 16%), ataxia (dose related; 5% to 12%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Tremor (dose related; 10% to 12%)

2% to 10%:

Central nervous system: Vertigo (8% to 9%), memory impairment (dose related; 6% to 9%), dysarthria (2% to 8%), lack of concentration (6% to 7%), aphasia (dose related; 1% to 7%), abnormal gait (dose related; 2% to 6%), disorientation (5%), anxiety (3% to 5%), equilibrium disturbance (dose related; 3% to 5%), paresthesia (3% to 5%), amnesia (3%), dysphasia (1% to 3%), hallucination (≤2%), psychotic symptoms (≤2%)

Dermatologic: Skin discoloration (10%)

Endocrine & metabolic: Weight gain (dose related; 2% to 3%)

Gastrointestinal: Nausea (6% to 9%), constipation (dose related; 4% to 5%), dyspepsia (3%)

Genitourinary: Dysuria (dose related; 1% to 4%), urinary hesitancy (1% to 4%), urine discoloration (dose related; 2% to 3%), urinary retention (≤2%), hematuria (1% to 2%)

Infection: Influenza (4% to 5%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Weakness (4% to 6%)

Ophthalmic: Blurred vision (dose related; 4% to 10%), diplopia (6% to 8%)

Frequency not defined:

Cardiovascular: Prolonged QT interval on ECG (mean: 7.7 msec), syncope

Central nervous system: Brain disease, coma, euphoria

Dermatologic: Alopecia, skin rash

Hematologic & oncologic: Leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Muscle spasm

Ophthalmic: Nystagmus, retinal pigment changes

Renal: Nephrolithiasis, renal colic

Respiratory: Dyspnea

<2%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Dysphagia, hydronephrosis, hyperhidrosis, hypokinesia, increased appetite, increased liver enzymes, maculopathy (acquired vitelliform lesions), malaise, mucosal discoloration, myoclonus, nail discoloration, ocular discoloration (sclera), peripheral edema, suicidal ideation, suicidal tendencies, xerostomia

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• CNS effects: Dose-related dizziness and somnolence (generally mild-to-moderate) have been reported; effects generally occur during dose titration and appear to diminish with continued use. Patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).

• Dermatologic effects: Skin discoloration has been reported; typically blue in color (but may also be gray-blue or brown) and is predominantly located on or around the lips, nail beds of the fingers or toes, face and legs; discoloration of the palate, sclera, and conjunctiva may also occur. Skin discoloration developed in ~10% of patients, generally after ≥2 years of treatment and at higher doses (≥900 mg). If detected, consider other treatment options or discontinue use.

• Neuropsychiatric disorders: Dose-related neuropsychiatric disorders, including confusion, psychotic symptoms, and hallucinations, have been reported, generally within the first 8 weeks of treatment; some patients required hospitalization. Symptoms resolved in most patients within 7 days of discontinuation of therapy. The risk appears to be greatest with rapid titration at greater than the recommended doses.

• Ocular complications: [US Boxed Warning]: Retinal abnormalities that may progress to vision loss have been reported and were seen in about one-third of patients after approximately 4 years of treatment. These retinal abnormalities exhibited funduscopic features similar to those of retinal pigment dystrophies. Macular abnormalities characterized as vitelliform lesions have also been observed; these lesions have been identified most consistently with optical coherence tomography imaging. The rate of progression and reversibility of these retinal abnormalities is unknown. Reversibility of retinal pigmentary abnormalities and partial resolution of vitelliform lesions has been reported after discontinuation of ezogabine. Limit use to patients who have responded inadequately to other treatments and in whom the benefits of therapy exceed the risk of vision loss. Visual monitoring (at least visual acuity, dilated fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography) by an ophthalmic professional is recommended at baseline and at 6-month intervals. Other visual tests may include fluorescein angiograms, perimetry, and electroretinograms). Discontinue use if there is no substantial benefit after adequate titration or if retinal pigmentary abnormalities or vision changes are detected. If no other treatment options are available and the benefits of treatment outweigh the potential risk of vision loss, then may cautiously continue treatment with ezogabine.

• QT prolongation: QT prolongation has been observed; monitor ECG in patients with electrolyte abnormalities (eg, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia), concomitant medications which may augment QT prolongation, or any underlying cardiac abnormality which may also potentiate risk (eg, heart failure, ventricular hypertrophy).

• Suicidal thinking/behavior: Pooled analysis of trials involving various antiepileptics (regardless of indication) showed an increased risk of suicidal thoughts/behavior (incidence rate: 0.43% treated patients compared to 0.24% of patients receiving placebo); risk observed as early as 1 week after initiation and continued through duration of trials (most trials ≤24 weeks). Monitor all patients for notable changes in behavior that might indicate suicidal thoughts or depression; notify healthcare provider immediately if symptoms occur.

• Urinary retention: Urinary retention, including retention requiring catheterization, has been reported, generally within the first 6 months of treatment. All patients should be monitored for urologic symptoms; close monitoring is recommended in patients with other risk factors for urinary retention (eg, benign prostatic hyperplasia), patients unable to communicate clinical symptoms, or patients who use concomitant medications that may affect voiding (eg, anticholinergics).

Disease-related concerns:

• Hepatic impairment: Dosage adjustment recommended in moderate to severe hepatic impairment; ezogabine exposure increases in moderate to severe impairment.

• Renal impairment: Dosage adjustment recommended in patients with CrCl <50 mL/minute renal impairment or patients with end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis; ezogabine undergoes significant renal elimination.

Special populations:

• Elderly: Use caution in elderly due to potential for urinary retention, particularly in older men with symptomatic BPH. Systemic exposure is increased in the elderly; dosage adjustment is recommended in patients ≥65 years of age.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Withdrawal: Anticonvulsants should not be discontinued abruptly because of the possibility of increasing seizure frequency. Unless safety concerns require a more rapid withdrawal, therapy should be withdrawn gradually over a period of ≥3 weeks to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency.

Monitoring Parameters

Seizures; electrolytes, bilirubin, QT interval (in patients with risk factors for QT prolongation), renal and hepatic function; urologic symptoms; observe patient for excessive sedation, confusion, psychotic symptoms, and hallucinations; suicidality (eg, suicidal thoughts, depression, behavioral changes); skin discoloration (blue, or gray-blue or brown in color) around the lips, nail beds of fingers or toes, face and legs.

Ophthalmic exams (at least visual acuity testing, dilated fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography) at baseline and 6-month intervals; fluorescein angiograms, optical coherence tomography, perimetry, and electroretinograms may also be considered.

Pregnancy Risk Factor C Pregnancy Considerations

Adverse events have been observed in animal reproduction studies.

Patients exposed to ezogabine during pregnancy are encouraged to enroll themselves into the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. Additional information is available at www.aedpregnancyregistry.org.

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to help control certain kinds of seizures.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Fatigue

• Dizziness

• Tremors

• Spinning feeling

• Anxiety

• Nausea

• Constipation

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Skin discoloration

• Nail discoloration

• Lip or mouth discoloration

• Eye discoloration

• Vision changes

• Vision loss

• Seizures

• Abnormal heartbeat

• Trouble speaking

• Change in balance

• Trouble moving

• Trouble focusing

• Trouble with memory

• Confusion

• Sensing things that seem real but are not

• Burning or numbness feeling

• Severe loss of strength and energy

• Unable to pass urine

• Change in amount of urine passed

• Painful urination

• Severe dizziness

• Passing out

• Agitation

• Irritability

• Panic attacks

• Mood changes

• Depression like thoughts of suicide, anxiety, emotional instability, or confusion

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine's uses from the patient education leaflet and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information available about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please speak with your healthcare provider and review the entire patient education leaflet.

Further information

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