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2D Structure
Also known as: 97240-79-4, Topamax, Epitomax, Topamax sprinkle, Topina, Mcn-4853
Molecular Formula
C12H21NO8S
Molecular Weight
339.36  g/mol
InChI Key
KJADKKWYZYXHBB-XBWDGYHZSA-N
FDA UNII
0H73WJJ391

A sulfamate-substituted fructose analog that was originally identified as a hypoglycemic agent. It is used for the treatment of EPILEPSY and MIGRAINE DISORDERS, and may also promote weight loss.
The mechanism of action of topiramate is as a Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inducer, and Cytochrome P450 2C19 Inhibitor. The physiologic effect of topiramate is by means of Decreased Central Nervous System Disorganized Electrical Activity.
1 2D Structure

2D Structure

2 Identification
2.1 Computed Descriptors
2.1.1 IUPAC Name
[(1R,2S,6S,9R)-4,4,11,11-tetramethyl-3,5,7,10,12-pentaoxatricyclo[7.3.0.02,6]dodecan-6-yl]methyl sulfamate
2.1.2 InChI
InChI=1S/C12H21NO8S/c1-10(2)18-7-5-16-12(6-17-22(13,14)15)9(8(7)19-10)20-11(3,4)21-12/h7-9H,5-6H2,1-4H3,(H2,13,14,15)/t7-,8-,9+,12+/m1/s1
2.1.3 InChI Key
KJADKKWYZYXHBB-XBWDGYHZSA-N
2.1.4 Canonical SMILES
CC1(OC2COC3(C(C2O1)OC(O3)(C)C)COS(=O)(=O)N)C
2.1.5 Isomeric SMILES
CC1(O[C@@H]2CO[C@@]3([C@H]([C@@H]2O1)OC(O3)(C)C)COS(=O)(=O)N)C
2.2 Other Identifiers
2.2.1 UNII
0H73WJJ391
2.3 Synonyms
2.3.1 MeSH Synonyms

1. 2,3-4,5-bis-o-(1-methylethylidene)-beta-d-fructopyranose Sulfamate

2. Epitomax

3. Mcn 4853

4. Mcn-4853

5. Mcn4853

6. Topamax

7. Usl255

2.3.2 Depositor-Supplied Synonyms

1. 97240-79-4

2. Topamax

3. Epitomax

4. Topamax Sprinkle

5. Topina

6. Mcn-4853

7. Tipiramate

8. Topiramatum

9. Topimax

10. Topomax

11. Tipiramato

12. Topiramato

13. Epitoma

14. Topamac

15. Mcn 4853

16. Rwj-17021

17. Rwj-17021-000

18. C12h21no8s

19. 2,3:4,5-bis-o-(1-methylethylidene)-beta-d-fructopyranose Sulfamate

20. Sincronil

21. Usl255

22. Qudexy

23. Usl-255

24. 2,3:4,5-di-o-isopropylidene-beta-d-fructopyranose Sulfamate

25. (-)-topiramate

26. [(3as,5ar,8ar,8bs)-2,2,7,7-tetramethyltetrahydro-3ah-bis[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-b:4',5'-d]pyran-3a-yl]methyl Sulfamate

27. Chebi:63631

28. Tipiramate [french]

29. Tipiramato [spanish]

30. 0h73wjj391

31. ((3as,5ar,8ar,8bs)-2,2,7,7-tetramethyltetrahydro-3ah-bis([1,3]dioxolo)[4,5-b:4',5'-d]pyran-3a-yl)methyl Sulfamate

32. Topiramatum [inn-latin]

33. Topiramatum [latin]

34. Topiramato [inn-spanish]

35. Mfcd00865320

36. Dsstox_cid_3688

37. Dsstox_rid_77148

38. Dsstox_gsid_23688

39. ((3as,5ar,8ar,8bs)-2,2,7,7-tetramethyltetrahydro-3ah-bis[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-b:4',5'-d]pyran-3a-yl)methyl Sulfamate

40. [(1r,2s,6s,9r)-4,4,11,11-tetramethyl-3,5,7,10,12-pentaoxatricyclo[7.3.0.0^{2,6}]dodecan-6-yl]methyl Sulfamate

41. Tpm

42. Topiragen

43. Topax

44. Trokendi Xr

45. Qudexy Xr

46. Smr000466325

47. Topiramate (tpm)

48. Tor

49. Topamax (tn)

50. Cas-97240-79-4

51. Rwj 17021

52. Brn 5988957

53. Unii-0h73wjj391

54. Hsdb 7531

55. Sulfamate 7

56. 3hku

57. 3lxe

58. Usl 255

59. Topiramate [usan:usp:inn:ban]

60. Topiramate Solution

61. Ncgc00095181-01

62. [(3as,5ar,8ar,8bs)-2,2,7,7-tetramethyl-5,5a,8a,8b-tetrahydrodi[1,3]dioxolo[5,4-b:5',3'-d]pyran-3a-yl]methyl Sulfamate

63. Topiramate- Bio-x

64. Trokendi Xr (tn)

65. Eprontia

66. Ks-1122

67. Topiramate [mi]

68. Topiramate [inn]

69. Topiramate [jan]

70. Spectrum2_001128

71. Topiramate [hsdb]

72. Topiramate [inci]

73. Topiramate [usan]

74. Beta-d-fructopyranose, 2,3:4,5-bis-o-(1-methylethylidene)-, Sulfamate

75. Topiramate [vandf]

76. Cbchromo1_000352

77. Topiramate [mart.]

78. Topiramate [usp-rs]

79. Topiramate [who-dd]

80. Bidd:pxr0127

81. Schembl34631

82. Bspbio_002306

83. Topiramate (jan/usp/inn)

84. Eprontia (liquid Formulation)

85. Mls000759431

86. Mls001424070

87. Bidd:gt0854

88. Spectrum1505801

89. Spbio_000995

90. Chembl220492

91. Gtpl6849

92. Dtxsid8023688

93. Topiramate [orange Book]

94. Bdbm10887

95. 2,3:4,5-di-o-isopropylidene-b-d-fructopyranose Sulfamate

96. Topiramate [ep Monograph]

97. Topiramate [usp Impurity]

98. Qsymia Component Topiramate

99. Hms1922h06

100. Hms2051l09

101. Hms2093d20

102. Hms2232h21

103. Hms3414c15

104. Hms3678c15

105. Hms3715i12

106. Hms3884c17

107. Pharmakon1600-01505801

108. Topiramate [usp Monograph]

109. [(3as,5ar,8ar,8bs)-2,2,7,7-tetramethyltetrahydro-3ah-bis[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-b:4',5'-d]pyran-3a-yl]methyl Sulfamate (non-preferred Name)

110. Act09031

111. Albb-022457

112. Hy-b0122

113. Tox21_111472

114. Tox21_302401

115. Nsc759251

116. S1438

117. Zinc95616603

118. Topiramate Component Of Qsymia

119. .beta.-d-fructopyranose, 2,3:4,5-bis-o-(1-methylethylidene)-, Sulfamate

120. Akos000424547

121. Topiramate 1.0 Mg/ml In Acetonitrile

122. Topiramate, >=98% (hplc), Solid

123. Tox21_111472_1

124. Ccg-100940

125. Cs-1885

126. Db00273

127. Nc00190

128. Nsc 759251

129. Nsc-759251

130. Ncgc00178714-01

131. Ncgc00178714-04

132. Ncgc00178714-18

133. Ncgc00255221-01

134. Bt167048

135. Sbi-0206907.p001

136. Sw197570-3

137. C07502

138. D00537

139. F20536

140. Ab00639961-06

141. Ab00639961-08

142. Ab00639961_09

143. Ab00639961_10

144. 240t794

145. A900173

146. Q221174

147. Sr-01000759409

148. W-60376

149. Q-201845

150. Sr-01000759409-4

151. Z1522553470

152. Topiramate, United States Pharmacopeia (usp) Reference Standard

153. 2,3:4,5-bis-o-(1-methylethylidene)-?-d-fructopyranose Sulfamate

154. 2,3:4,5-di-o-isopropylidene-.beta.-d-fructopyranose Sulfamate

155. Topiramate, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material

156. .beta.-d-fructopyranose, 2,3:4,5-bis-o-(1-methylethylidene)-, 1-sulfamate

157. Topiramate Solution, 1.0 Mg/ml In Methanol, Ampule Of 1 Ml, Certified Reference Material

158. [(1r,2s,6s,9r)-4,4,11,11-tetramethyl-3,5,7,10,12-pentaoxatricyclo[7.3.0.02,6]dodecan-6-yl]methyl Sulfamate

159. [(3as,5ar,8ar,8bs)-2,2,7,7-tetramethyl-5,5a,8a,8b-tetrahydrodi[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-a:5',3'-d]pyran-3a-yl]methyl Sulfamate

160. 2,3:4,5-bis-o-(1-methylethylidene)-beta-d-fructopyranose 1-sulfamate;2,3:4,5-di-o-isopropylidene-beta-d-fructopyranose Sulfamate; Topamax; Tracrium; Toiramate:

2.4 Create Date
2005-11-20
3 Chemical and Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 339.36 g/mol
Molecular Formula C12H21NO8S
XLogP3-0.8
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count1
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count9
Rotatable Bond Count3
Exact Mass339.09878780 g/mol
Monoisotopic Mass339.09878780 g/mol
Topological Polar Surface Area124 Ų
Heavy Atom Count22
Formal Charge0
Complexity556
Isotope Atom Count0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count4
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count0
Covalently Bonded Unit Count1
4 Drug and Medication Information
4.1 Drug Information
1 of 6  
Drug NameTopamax
PubMed HealthTopiramate (By mouth)
Drug ClassesAnticonvulsant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelTopiramate is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide. TOPAMAX (topiramate) Tablets are available as 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg round tablets for oral administration. TOPAMAX (topiramate capsules) Sprinkle Capsules are available as 15 mg and...
Active IngredientTopiramate
Dosage FormTablet; Capsule
RouteOral
Strength200mg; 25mg; 15mg; 100mg; 50mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyJanssen Pharms

2 of 6  
Drug NameTopiramate
PubMed HealthTopiramate (By mouth)
Drug ClassesAnticonvulsant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelTopiramate is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide. Topiramate Tablets are available as 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg round tablets for oral administration.Topiramate USP is a white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. Topiramate USP is most...
Active IngredientTopiramate
Dosage FormTablet; Capsule
RouteOral
Strength200mg; 25mg; 15mg; 100mg; 50mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyRanbaxy; Upsher Smith; Teva; Apotex; Accord Hlthcare; Sun Pharm Inds; Aurobindo Pharma; Torrent Pharms; Lupin; Invagen Pharms; Cipla; Hikma Pharms; Watson Labs; Glenmark Generics; Activis Totowa; Zydus Pharms Usa; Wockhardt Usa; Mylan; Unichem Labs

3 of 6  
Drug NameTrokendi xr
Drug LabelTopiramate, USP, is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide. Trokendi XR (topiramate) extended-release capsules are available as 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg capsules for oral administration.Topiramate is a white to off-white powder. Topiramate...
Active IngredientTopiramate
Dosage FormCapsule, extended release
RouteOral
Strength200mg; 25mg; 100mg; 50mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanySupernus Pharms

4 of 6  
Drug NameTopamax
PubMed HealthTopiramate (By mouth)
Drug ClassesAnticonvulsant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelTopiramate is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide. TOPAMAX (topiramate) Tablets are available as 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg round tablets for oral administration. TOPAMAX (topiramate capsules) Sprinkle Capsules are available as 15 mg and...
Active IngredientTopiramate
Dosage FormTablet; Capsule
RouteOral
Strength200mg; 25mg; 15mg; 100mg; 50mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyJanssen Pharms

5 of 6  
Drug NameTopiramate
PubMed HealthTopiramate (By mouth)
Drug ClassesAnticonvulsant, Central Nervous System Agent
Drug LabelTopiramate is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide. Topiramate Tablets are available as 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg round tablets for oral administration.Topiramate USP is a white crystalline powder with a bitter taste. Topiramate USP is most...
Active IngredientTopiramate
Dosage FormTablet; Capsule
RouteOral
Strength200mg; 25mg; 15mg; 100mg; 50mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanyRanbaxy; Upsher Smith; Teva; Apotex; Accord Hlthcare; Sun Pharm Inds; Aurobindo Pharma; Torrent Pharms; Lupin; Invagen Pharms; Cipla; Hikma Pharms; Watson Labs; Glenmark Generics; Activis Totowa; Zydus Pharms Usa; Wockhardt Usa; Mylan; Unichem Labs

6 of 6  
Drug NameTrokendi xr
Drug LabelTopiramate, USP, is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide. Trokendi XR (topiramate) extended-release capsules are available as 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg capsules for oral administration.Topiramate is a white to off-white powder. Topiramate...
Active IngredientTopiramate
Dosage FormCapsule, extended release
RouteOral
Strength200mg; 25mg; 100mg; 50mg
Market StatusPrescription
CompanySupernus Pharms

4.2 Therapeutic Uses

Topiramate is indicated as initial monotherapy in patients 10 years of age and older with partial onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. /Included in US product label/

Thomson/Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Volume 1, Greenwood Village, CO. 2007., p. 2784


Topiramate is indicated for use in the adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures in adults and pediatric patients ages 2 to 16 years. Topiramate is also indicated for use in the treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and in pediatric patients ages 2 to 16 years. /Included in US product label/

Thomson/Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Volume 1, Greenwood Village, CO. 2007., p. 2784


Topiramate is indicated for use in the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older. /Included in US product label/

Thomson/Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Volume 1, Greenwood Village, CO. 2007., p. 2785


Topiramate is indicated for adults for the prophylaxis of migraine headache. /Included in US product label/

Thomson/Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Volume 1, Greenwood Village, CO. 2007., p. 2785


The usefulness of topiramate in the acute treatment of migraine headache has not been studied. /NOT included in US product label/

Thomson/Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Volume 1, Greenwood Village, CO. 2007., p. 2785


4.3 Drug Warning

Nervous system effects are the most frequently reported adverse effects of topiramate in adults and generally can be classified into 3 categories: cognitive-related dysfunction (e.g., confusion, psychomotor slowing, difficulty with concentration or attention, difficulty with memory, speech or language problems, particularly word-finding difficulties); psychiatric or behavioral disturbances (e.g., depression, mood problems); and somnolence or fatigue. Cognitive-related adverse effects frequently occur in isolation and often in association with a rapid titration rate and higher initial dosages. Although generally mild or moderate in severity, many of these cognitive-related adverse effects have resulted in discontinuance of topiramate therapy.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service. AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, MD. 2007., p. 2252


Psychiatric or behavioral disturbances (including rare cases of suicide attempts) appear to be dose-related in patients receiving topiramate for seizure disorders as well as for migraine prophylaxis. Somnolence and fatigue are the most commonly reported adverse effects in patients receiving topiramate for seizure disorders. In patients receiving topiramate as initial monotherapy for seizure disorders, the frequency of somnolence (but not fatigue) appears to be dose related. In patients receiving topiramate as adjunctive therapy for seizure disorders, the frequency of somnolence does not appear to be dose related; however, fatigue tends to occur with increasing frequency in patients receiving topiramate at dosages exceeding 400 mg daily. In patients receiving topiramate for migraine prophylaxis, somnolence and fatigue appear to be dose related and occur more frequently during the titration phase.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service. AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, MD. 2007., p. 2252


Other common dose-related adverse nervous system effects of topiramate (at dosages of 200-1000 mg daily) include nervousness and anxiety. Frequently reported adverse nervous system effects that do not appear to be dose related include dizziness, ataxia, and paresthesia. Paresthesia occurred more frequently in patients receiving topiramate as initial monotherapy for management of seizure disorders or for migraine prophylaxis; however, in most instances, this adverse effect did not result in discontinuance of therapy.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service. AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, MD. 2007., p. 2253


Other common dose-related adverse effects of topiramate, in addition to adverse nervous system effects, include anorexia and weight loss. Frequently reported adverse effects that do not appear to be dose related include abnormal vision and diplopia.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service. AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, MD. 2007., p. 2253


For more Drug Warnings (Complete) data for TOPIRAMATE (20 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


4.4 Drug Indication

Topiramate is indicated for the following conditions: 1)Monotherapy for partial onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures for patients 2 years of age and above 2)Adjunctive therapy for partial onset seizures or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures for both adult and pediatric patients above 2 years old 3)Adjunctive therapy for seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients above 2 years of age 4)Prophylaxis of migraine in children 12 years of age and older and adults. Topiramate is also used off-label as an adjunct therapy for weight management and for mood disorders.


5 Pharmacology and Biochemistry
5.1 Pharmacology

Topiramate prevents the occurrence of seizures and prevents migraine symptoms by reducing neural pathway excitability. It is important to note that this drug may cause metabolic acidosis, mood changes, suicidal thoughts and attempts, as well as kidney stones. When topiramate is combined with [valproic acid], it is known to cause hypothermia.


5.2 MeSH Pharmacological Classification

Hypoglycemic Agents

Substances which lower blood glucose levels. (See all compounds classified as Hypoglycemic Agents.)


Anticonvulsants

Drugs used to prevent SEIZURES or reduce their severity. (See all compounds classified as Anticonvulsants.)


5.3 FDA Pharmacological Classification
5.3.1 Active Moiety
TOPIRAMATE
5.3.2 FDA UNII
0H73WJJ391
5.3.3 Pharmacological Classes
Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inducers [MoA]; Decreased Central Nervous System Disorganized Electrical Activity [PE]; Cytochrome P450 2C19 Inhibitors [MoA]
5.4 ATC Code

N03AX11

S76 | LUXPHARMA | Pharmaceuticals Marketed in Luxembourg | Pharmaceuticals marketed in Luxembourg, as published by d'Gesondheetskeess (CNS, la caisse nationale de sante, www.cns.lu), mapped by name to structures using CompTox by R. Singh et al. (in prep.). List downloaded from https://cns.public.lu/en/legislations/textes-coordonnes/liste-med-comm.html. Dataset DOI:10.5281/zenodo.4587355


N - Nervous system

N03 - Antiepileptics

N03A - Antiepileptics

N03AX - Other antiepileptics

N03AX11 - Topiramate


5.5 Absorption, Distribution and Excretion

Absorption

After a 400mg dose in one clinical trial, topiramate reached maximal concentrations within 1.8-4.3 hours and ranged from 1.73-28.7 ug/mL. Food did not significantly affect the extent of absorption, despite delaying time to peak concentration. In patients with normal creatinine clearance, steady state concentrations are reached within 4 days. The bioavailability of topiramate in tablet form is about 80% compared to a topiramate solution.


Route of Elimination

Topiramate is mainly eliminated through the kidneys. About 70-80% of the eliminated dose is found unchanged in the urine.


Volume of Distribution

The mean apparent volume of distribution of topiramate ranges from 0.6-0.8 L/kg when doses of 100mg to 1200mg are given. Topiramate readily crosses the blood-brain barrier.


Clearance

The mean oral plasma clearance of topiramate ranges from 22-36 mL/min while the renal clearance is 17-18 mL/min, according to one pharmacokinetic study. The FDA label for topiramate indicates a similar oral plasma clearance of approximately 20 to 30 mL/min in adults.


Absorption /of topiramate is/ rapid. The bioavailability of the tablet dosage form is about 80% as compared with that from a solution. Food does not effect the bioavailability of topiramate.

Thomson/Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Volume 1, Greenwood Village, CO. 2007., p. 2785


Protein binding /of topiramate is/ low ( 13 to 17% over the concentration range of 1 to 250 ug per mL).

Thomson/Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Volume 1, Greenwood Village, CO. 2007., p. 2785


Time to peak concentration /is/ approximately 2 hours following administration of a 400 mg oral dose. In patients with normal renal function, steady state is reached in about 4 days. The pharmacokinetics or topiramate are linear, with dose proportional increases in the plasma concentration over the range of 200 to 800 mg a day.

Thomson/Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Volume 1, Greenwood Village, CO. 2007., p. 2785


Distribution of topiramate into human milk has not been evaluated in controlled studies; however, limited data indicate that the drug may distribute extensively into milk in humans.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service. AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, MD. 2007., p. 2253


For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for TOPIRAMATE (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


5.6 Metabolism/Metabolites

The metabolites of topiramate are not known to be active. The metabolism of topiramate is characterized by reactions of glucuronidation, hydroxylation and hydrolysis that lead to the production of six minor metabolites. Some of topiramate's metabolites include 2,3-desisopropylidene topiramate, 4,5-desisopropylidene topiramate, 9-hydroxy topiramate, and 10-hydroxy topiramate.


Topiramate is not extensively metabolized. Six minor metabolites (formed by hydroxylation, hydrolysis, and glucuronidation) have been identified in humans, with none constituting more than 5% of an administered dose.

Thomson/Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Volume 1, Greenwood Village, CO. 2007., p. 2785


The metabolism and excretion of 2,3:4,5-bis-O-(1-methylethylidene)-beta-D-fructopyranose sulfamate (TOPAMAX, topiramate, TPM) have been investigated in animals and humans. Radiolabeled [14C] TPM was orally administered to mice, rats, rabbits, dogs and humans. Plasma, urine and fecal samples were collected and analyzed. TPM and a total of 12 metabolites were isolated and identified in these samples. Metabolites were formed by hydroxylation at the 7- or 8-methyl of an isopropylidene of TPM followed by rearrangement, hydroxylation at the 10-methyl of the other isopropylidene, hydrolysis at the 2,3-O-isopropylidene, hydrolysis at the 4,5-O-isopropylidene, cleavage at the sulfamate group, glucuronide conjugation and sulfate conjugation. A large percentage of unchanged TPM was recovered in animal and human urine. The most dominant metabolite of TPM in mice, male rats, rabbits and dogs appeared to be formed by the hydrolysis of the 2,3-O-isopropylidene group.

PMID:16250251 Caldwell G et al; Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 30 (3): 151-64 (2005)


5.7 Biological Half-Life

The elimination half-life is reported to be in the range of 19-23 hours. If topiramate is given with enzyme-inducers, the half-life can be reduced to 12-15 hours because of increased metabolism.


21 hours (mean) after single or multiple dosing.

Thomson/Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Volume 1, Greenwood Village, CO. 2007., p. 2785


5.8 Mechanism of Action

A seizure is an abnormal and unregulated electrical discharge occurring in the brain. This leads to transient interruption in brain function, manifested by reduced alertness, abnormal sensations, and focal involuntary movements or convulsions. Several types of seizures exist, with common types including tonic-clonic seizures and partial onset seizures. The exact mechanisms by which topiramate exerts pharmacological actions on seizures and migraines are currently not fully characterized. Several properties of this drug, however, are likely to contribute to its therapeutic effects. Topiramate has been observed to exert actions on voltage-dependent sodium channels, GABA receptors, and glutamate receptors. Topiramate stimulates GABA-A receptor activity at brain non-benzodiazepine receptor sites and reduces glutamate activity at both AMPA and kainate receptors. Normally, GABA-A receptors are inhibitory and glutaminergic receptors are stimulatory for neuronal activity. By increasing GABA activity and inhibiting glutamate activity, topiramate blocks neuronal excitability, preventing seizures and migraines. Additionally, it blocks the voltage-dependent sodium channels, further blocking seizure activity. Topiramate has been shown to inhibit various carbonic anhydrase isozymes, but the clinical significance of this is unknown at this time.


The precise mechanism of action is unknown. Electrophysiological and biochemical studies on cultured neurons demonstrated that topiramate blocks the action potentials elicited repetitively by a sustained depolarization of the neurons in a time dependent manner; this effect suggests a state-dependent sodium channel blocking action. Also topiramate increases the frequency at which gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activates GABA-A receptors, thereby enhancing GABA-induced influx of chloride ions into neurons. Thus, it appears that topiramate exerts it effects by potentiation of the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA. In addition, topiramate antagonizes the ability of kainate to activate the kainate/AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid; non-NMDA) subtype of excitatory amino acid (glutamate) receptor, but has no apparent effect on the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) at the NMDA receptor subtype. These effects of topiramate are concentration-dependent within the range of 1 to 200 micromoles.

Thomson/Micromedex. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. Volume 1, Greenwood Village, CO. 2007., p. 2785


Although the precise mechanism of action of topiramate is unknown, data from electrophysiologic and biochemical studies have revealed 4 properties that may contribute to the drug's efficacy for seizure disorders and migraine prophylaxis. At pharmacologically relevant concentrations, topiramate blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels; augments the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at some subtypes of the GABA-A receptor; antagonizes the AMPA/kainate subtype of the glutamate receptor; and inhibits carbonic anhydrase (particularly CA-II and CA-IV isoenzymes). In general, anticonvulsant drugs are thought to act by one or more of the following mechanisms: modulating voltage-dependent ion (e.g., sodium) channels involved in action potential propagation or burst generation, enhancement of GABA inhibitory activity, and/or inhibition of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter (e.g., glutamate, aspartate) activity.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service. AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, MD. 2007., p. 2254


Topiramate exhibits effects on cultured neurons similar to those observed with phenytoin and carbamazepine, and such effects are suggestive of an inactive state-dependent block of voltage-dependent sodium channels. Topiramate reduces the duration of epileptiform bursts of neuronal firing and decreases the number of action potentials in studies of cultured rat hippocampal neurons with spontaneous epileptiform burst activity. Topiramate also decreases the frequency of action potentials elicited by depolarizing electric current in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Depolarization and firing of an action potential results from the rapid inflow of sodium ions through voltage-dependent sodium channels in the neuronal cell membrane. After firing, a neuron enters a period of inactivation during which it is unable to fire again even if the sodium channel is open. A slow action potential firing rate allows the neuron sufficient time to recover from inactivation, and the normal period of inactivation has a minimal effect on low-frequency firing. During a partial seizure, neurons characteristically undergo high-frequency depolarization and firing of action potentials which is uncommon during normal physiologic neuronal activity. Some anticonvulsant drugs (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine) preferentially bind to voltage-dependent sodium channels during their inactivated state, slow the rate of recovery of sodium channels from their period of inactivation, and limit the ability of the neuron to depolarize and fire at high frequencies.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service. AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, MD. 2007., p. 2254


Topiramate enhances the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA at a nonbenzodiazepine site on GABA-A receptors. Activation of the postsynaptic GABA-A receptor by GABA causes inhibition by increasing the inward flow of chloride ions, resulting in hyperpolarization of the postsynaptic cell; in chloride ion-depleted murine cerebellar granule cells, therapeutic concentrations of topiramate (in combination with GABA) enhance GABA-evoked inward flux of chloride ions in a concentration-dependent manner. Benzodiazepines act at GABA-A receptors to enhance GABA-evoked inward flow of chloride ions, but the benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil does not appear to inhibit topiramate enhancement of GABA-evoked currents in GABA-A cortical neuronal receptors. Topiramate also does not appear to increase duration of chloride ion channel opening. Therefore, topiramate may potentiate GABA-A-evoked chloride ion flux by a mechanism other than GABA-A-receptor modulation.

McEvoy, G.K. (ed.). American Hospital Formulary Service. AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Bethesda, MD. 2007., p. 2254


For more Mechanism of Action (Complete) data for TOPIRAMATE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.