Stiripentol Impurities

• Stiripentol is used as an adjunctive treatment for Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy that begins in infancy.
• It is usually prescribed with clobazam and valproate in patients who do not achieve seizure control with standard therapies.

• Stiripentol increases GABAergic activity in the brain by:
  • Inhibiting GABA transaminase, reducing GABA breakdown
  • Modulating GABA-A receptors, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission
• It also inhibits cytochrome P450 enzymes, which boosts the plasma levels of co-administered antiepileptics like clobazam.

• Yes, stiripentol is specifically approved for use in children with Dravet syndrome, usually aged 2 years and older.
• Dosage must be carefully calculated based on body weight and co-administered medications, under the supervision of a pediatric neurologist.

Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Ataxia (lack of coordination)
• Irritability or behavior changes
• Neutropenia or anemia (rare, monitor blood counts during long-term use)