Lacosamide

Dosage and forms:

Lacosamide is available in multiple formulations including oral tablets, syrup, and intravenous (IV) infusion. When used with other seizure medicines in adults, Lacosamide usual initial recommended dose starts at 100 mg daily and in some cases, the patients may be started on 200 mg daily and increased weekly. Amongst children, the usual recommended dose for kids between 11 kg and less than 30 kg is 6 mg to 12 mg per kilogram of body weight each day. For kids who weigh between 30 kg and less than 50 kg, the usual standard dose is 4 mg to 8 mg per kilogram of body weight each day. And for kids who weigh more than 50 kg and higher, the usual initial dose is 50 mg, taken twice a day and can be increased as per the Doctor’s discretion.

The cost of Lacosamide:

As of 2020, the consumer has to pay around $823 Vimpat intravenous solution for a supply of 200 mg/20 mL, for a supply of 200 milliliters and 60 tablets of 100mg costs $1054. However, the costs of this medicine are significantly lower in the developing world. In India, the same supply for 60 tablets of 100mg sells for as low as $15.

How does it work?

Brain cells work and talk to each other through electrical discharges. These discharges must fire at a certain frequency to function normally. Sodium channels are like gates of brain cells, as in, they carry electrical activity from one cell to another. Lacosamide actions slow down these electrical discharges in some way or the other. Because its action either turns off or slows down the sodium channels in the brain. Thus the patient finds relief from the seizure and allows the brain cells to recover.

Finding Lacosamide Manufacturers and Suppliers: