Primidone

Introduction

The structure of primidone. Source: Wikimedia Commons; Author: Jesse (2006)

Primidone is a barbiturate derivative that is closely related to phenobarbital. It is a colourless, tasteless substance that forms crystals and is metabolised to the active metabolites phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA). Primidone is widely used in veterinary medicine for the control of epileptiform seizures, but does not appear to have an advantage over phenobarbital despite its greater potential to cause hepatotoxicity. However, it appears that certain individuals may respond more favourably to primidone than phenobarbital.

Mechanism of Action

Barbituates act by depressing the central nervous system (CNS) by acting at the Gamma Aminobutyric Acid A receptors (GABAa). They mimic and enhance GABA, which is the principle inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Once bound to the GABAa receptor they reduce the rate of GABA dissociation and thereby increase chloride conductance. This results in hyperpolarisation of the membrane and reduced neuronal excitability, giving a sedative effect. However, as the concentration of barbituate increases, it starts to have a direct effect on the chloride conductance and this is thought to bring about anaesthetic effects. Barbiturates depress the motor centres, conferring anticonvulsant activity, and the sensory centres, inducing anaesthesia.

Pharmacologic Considerations

In man, 60-90% of an oral dose of primidone is absorbed from the gastointestinal tract, with serum levels peaking about three hours after administration. Absorption is thought to be similar in animals, but primidone is metabolised once absorbed. Oxidation at carbon 2 results in the formation of phenobarbital, and cleavage at the same site gives PEMA. Primidone, phenobarbital and PEMA all possess anticonvulsant activity, but 85% of primidone's activity in dogs is due to the phenobarbital it forms. This is because the potency of primidone and PEMA is one-thirtieth that of phenobarbital, and phenobarbital has the longest half-life and so accumulates to the highest concentrations.

Some vets use primidone in patients which are refractory to phenobarbital at maximum doses. The efficacy of primidone in this capacity has not been proven, and may simply be due to animals receiving primidone metabolising the drug to greater concentrations of phenobarbital than those generated from administration of straight phenobarbital. In most dogs, however, there is no advantage in using primidone over phenobarbital for seizure control, and there are added side effects. Primidone is also more expensive than phenobarbital, but in some countries may be subject to lesser degrees of control and record keeping.

Cats metabolise primidone to phenobarbital to a lesser extent than dogs, so it follows that the drug may be less effective and more toxic. Primidone is not recommended for use in cats.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Since a large proportion of primidone is converted to phenobarbital, most adverse effects are the same as for this drug. These may include polyphagia, polyuria and polydipsia, which are usually transient and disappear with time. A sedative effect may also be seen. Additional side effects of primidone are nausea, drowsiness, ataxia, nystagmus and, rarely, dermatitis. In man, megaloblastic anaemia may develop from primidone use, and so the drug should be stored securely out of the reach of children.

Primidone is associated with a higher incidence of hepatotoxicity than phenobarbital: hepatic necrosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis have all been associated with chronic use of primidone. One study reported that up to 14 in 20 dogs develop liver toxicity following primidone administration. It is therefore important that liver enzyme assays and tests of liver function are regularly performed to monitor toxicity when primidone is prescribed to veterinary patients.

Primidone should not be used in combination with chloramphenicol, as chloramphenicol is a potent inhibitor of microsomal enzymes and so may lead to primidone toxicity. Signs include severe central nervous system depression and inappetance. Primidone has also been reported to cause intrahepatic cholestasis when used in combination with phenytoin.

Manufacturers do not recommend the use of primidone in cats, although studies have suggested that primidone is probably safe in this species.

Primidone Learning Resources
Literature Search Search for recent publications via CAB Abstract (CABI log in required)	Primidone publications

Links

• Barbiturates
• The Merck Veterinary Manual - Anticonvulsants.

References

1. Riviere, J E and Papich, M G (2009) Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Wiley.
2. Adams, R H (2001) Veterinary pharmacology and therapeutics, Wiley-Blackwell.
3. NOAH (2010) Compendium of Data Sheets for Animal Medicines.
4. Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition), Merial.

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