Seizure Rx Now Approved for Kids

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the approval of a seizure medication to allow it to be used in children ages 4 to 17.

Aptiom (eslicarbazepine acetate), an antiepileptic medication, received approval to treat partial-onset seizures in children. This medication was previously approved for the same use in adults.

The FDA approved Aptiom for use in children based on data on the safety and effectiveness of the drug in adults.

Aptiom is an oral medication to be taken once a day with or without food. The medication can be crushed for children who have trouble swallowing pills, according to the manufacturer.

Serious adverse reactions tied to Aptiom include suicidal behavior, skin reactions, serious allergic reactions, liver damage, neurological reactions and others, according to the FDA. Common adverse reactions include fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, vision issues and problems with body movements.

Partial-onset seizures commonly occur in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a disorder marked by abnormal activity in the brain's nerve cells. If your child has epilepsy, talk to your doctor about the safest treatment options for your child.

Sunovion Pharmaceuticals manufactures Aptiom.