Eslicarbazepine acetate is a third generation antiepileptic drug indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures. Structurally, it belongs to the dibenzazepine family and is closely related to carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine. Eslicarbazepine acetate was developed by scientists in Portugal. Its main mechanism of action is by blocking the voltage-gated sodium channel. Eslicarbazepine acetate is a pro-drug that is rapidly metabolized almost exclusively into eslicarbazepine (S-licarbazepine), the biologically active drug. It has a favorable pharmacokinetic and drug-drug interaction profile. However, it may induce the metabolism of oral contraceptives and should be used with caution in females of child-bearing age.

Licarbazepine, (R)- is a hydroxy derivative of R-licarbazepine acetate. Eslicarbazepine acetate (ESL), or S-licarbazepine acetate (ESL), Licarbazepine, (R)- acetate and their racemic mixture, as well as other related compounds, were orally assessed in rats for anticonvulsant activity and compared with carbamazepine (CBZ) and oxcarbazepine (OXC). Metabolism of OXC and its derivatives varies considerably between species. Rats metabolize ESL to OXC with minimal (S)-licarbazepine or Licarbazepine, (R)- metabolites. Licarbazepine, (R)- undergoes a further oxidation to the trans-diol metabolite, demonstrating an increased predisposition to earlier inactivation. Administration of ESL and of eslicarbazepine significantly protected mice against Maximal electroshocks-induced seizures, whereas that of Licarbazepine, (R)- failed to provide protection. This finding raises doubts on the contribution of Licarbazepine, (R)- as an active anticonvulsant.

Eslicarbazepine acetate is a third generation antiepileptic drug indicated for the treatment of partial-onset seizures. Structurally, it belongs to the dibenzazepine family and is closely related to carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine. Eslicarbazepine acetate was developed by scientists in Portugal. Its main mechanism of action is by blocking the voltage-gated sodium channel. Eslicarbazepine acetate is a pro-drug that is rapidly metabolized almost exclusively into eslicarbazepine (S-licarbazepine), the biologically active drug. It has a favorable pharmacokinetic and drug-drug interaction profile. However, it may induce the metabolism of oral contraceptives and should be used with caution in females of child-bearing age.