| Indication | Used to control certain seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. |
| Pharmacodynamics | Phenacemide is a ureal anticonvulsant indicated for control of severe epilepsy, particularly mixed forms of complex partial (psychomotor or temporal lobe) seizures, refractory to other anticonvulsants. Phenacemide elevates the threshold for minimal electroshock convulsions and abolishes the tonic phase of maximal electroshock seizures. It also prevents or modifies seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol or other convulsants. |
| Mechanism of action | Phenacemide binds to and blocks neuronal sodium channels or voltage sensitive calcium channels. This blocks or suppresses neuronal depolarization and hypersynchronization. Hypersynchronization is what often causes seizures. |
| Absorption | Almost completely absorbed. |
| Volume of distribution | Not Available |
| Protein binding | Not Available |
| Metabolism | Metabolized in the liver by hepatic microsomal enzymes, where it is inactivated by p-hydroxylation. |
| Route of elimination | Not Available |
| Half life | 22-25 hours. |
| Clearance | Not Available |
| Toxicity | Oral, mouse: LD50 = 987 mg/kg; Oral, rabbit: LD50 = 2500 mg/kg; Oral, rat: LD50 = 1600 mg/kg |