Which antiepileptic drug acts by selectively binding to the SV2A (synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A) and is approved as adjunctive therapy for focal and generalised seizures with a favourable drug-interaction profile?

• A Gabapentin
• B Pregabalin
• C Perampanel
• D Levetiracetam ✓

Explanation

Levetiracetam's principal mechanism is binding to SV2A on synaptic vesicle membranes, modulating vesicle exocytosis and reducing repetitive neuronal firing without acting on conventional ion channels or GABA receptors. This unique target explains its minimal pharmacokinetic drug interactions (not hepatically metabolised via CYP enzymes) and broad-spectrum efficacy. Gabapentin and pregabalin bind the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels. Perampanel is an AMPA receptor antagonist.

Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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