Primidone is an antiepileptic used to treat grand mal, psychomotor, and focal epileptic seizures. Primidone was developed by J Yule Bogue and H C Carrington in 1949.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 3 references
Primidone and its metabolites, phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA), are active anticonvulsants. Primidone does not directly interact with GABA-A receptors or chloride channels but phenobarbital does. Primidone alters transmembrane sodium and calcium channel transport, reducing the frequency of nerve firing, which may be responsible for the primidone’s effect on convulsions and essential tremor.
- Primary indication
- Primidone is commonly indicated for the management of grand mal, psychomotor, and focal epileptic seizures.Curator reviewed · 4 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C12H14N2O2 · 218.2518 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2000 · United States, 1978
- Also known as
- 2-deoxyphenobarbital
- Code names
- NSC-41701 · Rö 101
- Brand names
Resolves to
DQMZLTXERSFNPB-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCCC1(C(=O)NCNC1=O)C1=CC=CC=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Primidone, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
Create a free account or log in to explore the full data card.
Create Account