[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Antiseizure medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiseizure-medicines/) › Stiripentol

# Stiripentol

## Antiseizure medicines?

Antiseizure medicines

An add-on medicine for Dravet syndrome, given with clobazam. It boosts GABA signalling and strongly slows the breakdown of other drugs.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## Quick facts

**Group**
[Antiseizure medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiseizure-medicines/)

**Target**
GABA-A receptor and GABA metabolism

**Used for**
Seizures of Dravet syndrome

**Key effects**
Sleepiness and tiredness · Poor coordination

**Monitor**
Levels and side effects of clobazam

**ATC**
N03AX17

No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## Mechanism of action

Stiripentol is an aromatic alcohol unrelated to other antiseizure medicines. Its exact mechanism is unclear: it may raise brain GABA by inhibiting GABA uptake and GABA transaminase, and it prolongs the opening of GABA-A receptor chloride channels in a barbiturate-like way. It is also a potent inhibitor of several liver enzymes, which raises the levels of clobazam and valproate.

- Stiripentol increases GABA availability
- GABA-A channels stay open longer
- It also slows the breakdown of clobazam
- Fewer seizures in Dravet syndrome

## Indications

- Seizures of Dravet syndrome, together with clobazam [Epilepsy and seizures →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/epilepsy-and-seizures/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Sleepiness and tiredness
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Poor coordination, tremor and low muscle tone
- Drooling and difficulty speaking
- Nausea and vomiting

### Serious (rare, important)

- Signs of infection (cough, sore throat, fever, chills)
- Unusual bruising or bleeding, blood in urine or stools
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour

## Contraindications

- Allergy to stiripentol or any component of the product

## Key interactions

**Clobazam and valproate**
Stiripentol inhibits their metabolism and raises their levels; their doses may need lowering

**Other medicines broken down by CYP3A4, CYP1A2 or CYP2C19**
Higher levels and toxicity

**Caffeine**
Large amounts are discussed with the treating team

**Alcohol**
Worse drowsiness

## What is monitored

- Levels and side effects of clobazam and valproate
- Weight and growth
- Signs of infection or bleeding
- Mood and suicidal thoughts

## Administration and safety

- Oral capsules or powder for oral suspension
- The powder contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine (relevant in phenylketonuria)
- Not stopped suddenly

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

There is little information in pregnancy; it is a decision for the treating team.

## Nursing care

- Weigh the child at each visit
- Watch for sedation from higher clobazam levels
- Ask about phenylketonuria before using the powder
- Teach the family to report fever, sore throat or unusual bruising

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Quickly absorbed

**Distribution**
Highly bound to plasma proteins

**Metabolism**
Mostly to glucuronides; non-linear kinetics, as it inhibits its own breakdown

## Memory aid

«STIRIPENTOL STIRS clobazam UP»: it blocks liver enzymes, so clobazam and valproate rise.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which medicine is stiripentol always combined with for Dravet syndrome?

Clobazam.

## Why can stiripentol raise clobazam and valproate levels?

It potently inhibits liver CYP enzymes (CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2C19).

## Which stiripentol formulation matters in phenylketonuria?

The powder, sweetened with aspartame (a source of phenylalanine).

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/stiripentol/)

[More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology)

## Connections

## Related drugs 4

- [Clobazam](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/clobazam/)
- [Valproic acid](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/valproic-acid/)
- [Fenfluramine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/fenfluramine/)
- [Cannabidiol](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/cannabidiol/)

## Related conditions 1

- [Epilepsy and seizures](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/epilepsy-and-seizures/)

[← Back to the class: Antiseizure medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiseizure-medicines/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Stiripentol: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618069.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=N03AX17) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/stiripentol/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/stiripentol/