Cannabidiol Uses: Epilepsy
At this time only one FDA-approved cannabidiol is available for patients with select drug-resistant seizure disorders.1 In 2018 the FDA approved the first prescription cannabidiol product, which is indicated for severe seizures associated with three rare forms of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy in patients 1 year of age and older. The three types are:
- Dravet syndrome
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Tuberous sclerosis complex
This cannabidiol agent is derived from cannabis plants that have been grown in controlled environmental conditions without pesticides or genetic modifications to meet FDA and World Health Organization agricultural and manufacturing practices.2 It is highly purified so that the active ingredient is nearly 100% cannabidiol and is rigorously tested to ensure quality and consistency with labeling for each product.2 This product was approved by the FDA following the determination that the product met quality standards and demonstrated safety and efficacy for epilepsy use in controlled clinical trials.
Cannabidiol Administration
References
- Cannabidiol (Epidiolex®) oral solution. Prescribing information, 2024. Accessed 8/3/2024. https://pp.jazzpharma.com/pi/epidiolex.en.USPI.pdf
- Greenwich Biosciences. Cannabinoids 101: Understanding CBD, 2020. Accessed 8/3/2024. https://www.epidiolexhcp.com/sites/default/files/cbd-facts.pdf
