Safety analysis shows Zonegran (Eisai) well-tolerated by elderly Epilepsy patients

Results from a pooled-analysis show Zonegran (zonisamide), from Eisai, is well-tolerated in Epilepsy patients aged 65 and over, for partial seizures when used as a monotherapy or adjunctive therapy. The safety results observed in the elderly patients were similar to that seen in adults, however, the incidence of treatment related and serious adverse events reported was lower, respectively 56% vs. 73%, 13% vs. 17%.

Most treatment emergent adverse effects (TEAEs) were of mild-to-moderate intensity. The only serious or severe TEAEs reported by more than 2% elderly patients were 'convulsions' ([4%]). Results are published in Acta Neurologica Scandinavica: "Safety and Tolerability of zonisamide in elderly patients with epilepsy." Trinka E, Segieth J, Patten A, Giorgi L. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 2013.