INTRODUCTIONThe need for the rational development of newer and adjuvant drugs to treat epilepsy has prompted this study of the potential anticonvulsant effect of amlodipine.

METHODSThe acute effect was studied in mice in single doses of 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg of amlodipine and the chronic effect was studied in doses of 1 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg (administered daily for 21 days) using the maximal electroshock seizure and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure models of epilepsy. Sodium valproate and normal saline were used as the standard and control, respectively.

RESULTSFor the acute study, in the maximal electroshock seizure model, the administration of 1 mg/kg of amlodipine resulted in the complete abolition of seizures in 33 percent of the mice, and this was increased to 67 percent with the administration of 4 mg/kg. In the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model, the administration of 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg amlodipine protected 33 percent of the animals from mortality, and 67 percent were protected with the administration of 4 mg/kg. For the chronic study, in the maximal electroshock seizure model, the administration of 1 mg/kg amlodipine resulted in the complete abolition of seizures in 40 percent of the mice and in 60 percent, with the administration of 4 mg/kg. In the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model, 50 percent of the mice were protected from mortality with 1 mg/kg amlodipine and 60 percent, with 4 mg/kg amlodipine.

CONCLUSIONThese findings indicate that amlodipine may be a good candidate as an add-on therapy for epilepsy.