Perampanel, approved as adjunctive therapy in partial-onset seizures, has a unique mechanism among antiepileptics. It acts as a selective non-competitive antagonist at which receptor?
- A AMPA glutamate receptor ✓
- B NMDA glutamate receptor
- C Kainate glutamate receptor
- D Metabotropic glutamate receptor mGluR5
Correct answer: A. AMPA glutamate receptor
Explanation
Perampanel is the first-in-class selective non-competitive AMPA receptor antagonist approved for epilepsy. AMPA receptors mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission; their blockade reduces neuronal hyperexcitability underlying seizures. Unlike NMDA antagonists (memantine, ketamine), AMPA blockade does not cause psychotomimetic effects at therapeutic doses. Its long half-life (~105 hours) permits once-daily dosing.
Reference: KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.