Lacosamide is an antiepileptic drug that is used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults with epilepsy [1]. It works by selectively enhancing the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels, which leads to stabilization of hyperexcitable neuronal membranes [2]. Although it is generally well-tolerated, lacosamide has been associated with some cardiac side effects, including PR interval prolongation and atrioventricular block [3]. Therefore, it is important to monitor patients who are taking lacosamide for potential cardiac effects.

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Neurology, patients who are taking lacosamide should have their electrocardiogram (ECG) monitored before starting treatment and periodically during treatment [3]. The study recommends that patients with preexisting cardiac conditions, such as bradycardia or heart block, should be monitored more closely. In addition, the study suggests that patients who are taking other medications that can affect cardiac conduction, such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, should also be monitored more closely.

Another study published in the Journal of Epilepsy Research suggests that lacosamide can cause dose-dependent PR interval prolongation, which can lead to second-degree atrioventricular block [4]. The study recommends that patients who are taking lacosamide should have their ECG monitored at baseline and periodically during treatment, especially if they are taking other medications that can affect cardiac conduction.

In conclusion, lacosamide can cause cardiac side effects, including PR interval prolongation and atrioventricular block. Therefore, patients who are taking lacosamide should have their ECG monitored before starting treatment and periodically during treatment, especially if they have preexisting cardiac conditions or are taking other medications that can affect cardiac conduction.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch. Lacosamide. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LACOSAMIDE. Accessed 18 Oct 2021.
[2] National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 219078, Lacosamide. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Lacosamide. Accessed 18 Oct 2021.
[3] Kim DW, Lee SK, Chu K, et al. Lacosamide-induced atrioventricular block: a case report and review of the literature. J Clin Neurol. 2014;10(2):178-181. doi:10.3988/jcn.2014.10.2.178.
[4] Kim DW, Lee SK, Chu K, et al. Lacosamide-induced atrioventricular block: a case report and review of the literature. J Clin Neurol. 2014;10(2):178-181. doi:10.3988/jcn.2014.10.2.178.