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What type of epilepsy is Diacomit used to treat?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Sep 8, 2023.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Diacomit (stiripentol) is an oral anticonvulsant used with clobazam (Onfi) for seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in patients 6 months of age and older, weighing at least 7 kg (15.4 lbs), and taking the benzodiazepine clobazam (Onfi). Diacomit is not used alone to treat Dravet Syndrome, a rare, genetic form of epilepsy. It usually begins in infancy, often during a fever due to illness or vaccination.

Key Points

Children with Dravet syndrome can have poor language and motor skills development, hyperactivity, sleep disturbances (insomnia), and difficulty relating to others.

Most patients with Dravet syndrome have a mutation of the SCN1a gene which lowers the brain’s ability to control electrical impulses within the brain.

How effective is Diacomit for Dravet Syndrome?

The effectiveness of Diacomit for Dravet Syndrome was determined in two clinical studies with 64 patients total.

Enrolled patients were between 3 years and under 18 years with Dravet syndrome that was inadequately controlled with clobazam and valproate, and experienced at least 4 generalized clonic or tonic-clonic seizures per month.

In studies, the primary endpoint was the responder rate, defined as greater than a 50% reduction in seizures (per 30 days). In both studies, this endpoint was met in 71% and 67% of patients in the Diacomit group, compared to 5% and 9.1% of patients in the placebo group, respectively, a statistically significant effect.

In addition, 43% and 25% of patients reported no generalized clonic or tonic-clonic seizure for
the duration of the study.

The effectiveness of Diacomit in patients 6 months of age to less than 3 years of age was extrapolated from the 2 studies in patients 3 years to less than 18 years of age.

Related questions

What are the side effects of Diacomit?

In trials assessing safety, common side effects that occurred in at least 10% of patients who received Diacomit included:

More serious side effects may include suicidal thoughts or actions, depression, aggression, and panic attacks.

Which medicines are used to treat Dravet Syndrome?

Medications for Dravet syndrome are best used in a stepwise approach with close follow-up of patients, maximizing effects and dose.

This is not all the information you need to know about Diacomit (stiripentol) for safe and effective use. Review the full Diacomit information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

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