See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lacosamide

Weekly dosage adjustment of lacosamide is recommended due to its unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Lacosamide is a medication used to treat partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy. Its efficacy and safety are influenced by its concentration in the blood, which is affected by factors such as age, body weight, and renal function.

According to the prescribing information, lacosamide is primarily metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys [1]. The medication's clearance is significantly influenced by age, with older adults having a lower clearance rate compared to younger adults [2]. Additionally, patients with renal impairment may require dosage adjustments due to the increased accumulation of the medication in the body [3].

The manufacturer's clinical trials have demonstrated that lacosamide's efficacy and safety are dose-dependent. The recommended starting dose is 50 mg twice daily, which can be adjusted based on the patient's response to therapy [4]. However, the prescribing information emphasizes the importance of individualized dosage adjustments to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

The FDA-approved labeling for lacosamide recommends that the dosage be adjusted weekly based on the patient's response to therapy. This is because the medication's effects can take several weeks to become apparent, and dosage adjustments are necessary to achieve the optimal therapeutic effect [5].

In conclusion, weekly dosage adjustment of lacosamide is recommended due to its complex pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, which are influenced by age, body weight, and renal function. The medication's efficacy and safety are dose-dependent, and individualized dosage adjustments are necessary to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

Sources:

[1] FDA. (2018). Lacosamide Tablets Label. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/022444s022lbl.pdf>

[2] FDA. (2018). Lacosamide Tablets Prescribing Information. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/022444s022lbl.pdf>

[3] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lacosamide Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-dates/022444/>

[4] FDA. (2018). Lacosamide Tablets Clinical Trials. Retrieved from <https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=lacosamide>

[5] FDA. (2018). Lacosamide Tablets Label. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/022444s022lbl.pdf>