Epilepsy and ASM Formulations

Epilepsy, characterized by abnormalities in neuronal activity, remains a challenge for a significant proportion of patients despite the increasing armamentarium of antiseizure medications available. Despite various treatment options available for patients including monotherapy and polytherapy, drug resistance is a challenging issue. Researchers are still actively looking into not only the discovery of novel antiseizure medications and combination therapies but also refinement of the pharmaceutical formulations of existing antiseizure medications. Advancements in technology have vastly improved the research which led to several developments and approval of antiseizure medications formulation including diazepam rectal gel, intranasal midazolam, and intranasal diazepam. These present opportunities for physicians and researchers to further optimize the efficacy, tolerability, and accessibility of these medications. This chapter explores various pharmaceutical formulations of antiseizure medications, such as buccal, injectables, rectal, intranasal, and transdermal formulations, highlighting their potential advantages, disadvantages, and application in treating different types of seizures. The discussion aims to contribute to a broader understanding of the therapeutic landscape for epilepsy and encourage personalized approaches to treatment selection and administration where the end goal is always for the overall wellbeing of the people living with epilepsy.