What is the generic name for the drug stiripentol?

October 10, 2025 •

3 min read

Dravet syndrome is a rare form of epilepsy with an incidence of 1 per 20,000 to 40,000 births. So, what is the generic name for the drug stiripentol, a key medication used to manage it?

Quick Summary

Stiripentol is the generic name for the anticonvulsant drug marketed under the brand name Diacomit. It is primarily used as an adjunctive therapy for seizures associated with Dravet syndrome.

Key Points

Generic Name: Stiripentol is the generic name for the drug sold under the brand name Diacomit.
Primary Use: It is FDA-approved as an add-on treatment for seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in patients 6 months and older taking clobazam.
Mechanism of Action: Stiripentol primarily works by enhancing the brain's GABA system and inhibiting liver enzymes that break down other anticonvulsants, boosting their effects.
Administration: The medication must be taken with food to prevent degradation by stomach acid.
Common Side Effects: The most common side effects are drowsiness, decreased appetite, agitation, problems with coordination (at that it must be taken with food), and weight loss.
Serious Risks: Potential serious risks include increased suicidal thoughts, low white blood cell and platelet counts, and severe withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.
Drug Interactions: Stiripentol has many drug interactions, notably increasing the levels of other seizure medications like clobazam.

Understanding Stiripentol and Its Role in Pharmacology

Stiripentol is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat seizures. The generic name for the drug is stiripentol itself. It is most widely known by its brand name, Diacomit. This medication is used in the management of Dravet syndrome, a severe and rare form of epilepsy. The FDA has approved stiripentol for use in patients aged 6 months and older who are also taking clobazam.

Mechanism of Action

The precise way stiripentol works is not fully understood, but it is believed to have multiple actions. It is thought to enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps reduce abnormal electrical activity leading to seizures. Stiripentol also inhibits certain liver enzymes, particularly CYP2C19 and CYP3A4, which can increase the blood levels and effectiveness of other antiepileptic drugs like clobazam. Other potential mechanisms are also being researched.

Indications and Administration

Stiripentol is indicated for treating seizures associated with Dravet syndrome in patients (6 months and older, weighing at least 7kg) also taking clobazam. It is not used alone. It must be taken with a meal. The medication is available as capsules and a powder for oral suspension.

Important Safety Information: Side Effects and Warnings

Stiripentol has potential side effects and warnings.

Common Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects include drowsiness (67%), decreased appetite (46%), agitation (27%), and coordination problems (ataxia) (27%).

Serious Warnings

Serious risks include:

Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: Antiepileptic drugs, including stiripentol, can increase this risk. Any changes in mood or behavior should be reported.
Blood Dyscrasias: Stiripentol can cause low neutrophil and platelet counts, increasing infection and bleeding risk. Regular blood tests are needed.
Withdrawal Symptoms: Abruptly stopping stiripentol can increase seizures. Dosage must be gradually reduced under supervision.
Phenylketonuria (PKU): The powder for oral suspension contains phenylalanine and is not suitable for individuals with PKU.

Drug Interactions

Stiripentol interacts with many drugs due to its effect on liver enzymes, potentially increasing the concentration of other medications, including antiepileptic drugs like clobazam and valproate. It's crucial to inform a healthcare provider about all medications being taken. Combining stiripentol with other CNS depressants like alcohol can worsen drowsiness.

Comparison with Other Antiepileptic Drugs for Dravet Syndrome

Stiripentol is one of three main add-on therapies for Dravet Syndrome, along with fenfluramine and cannabidiol.


Feature	Stiripentol (Diacomit)	Fenfluramine (Fintepla)	Cannabidiol (Epidiolex)
Primary Mechanism	GABA-A receptor modulation; CYP450 inhibition	Serotonin receptor activity	Interacts with cannabinoid receptors (CB1/CB2) and other neurotransmitter systems
Efficacy (≥50% Seizure Reduction)	High; a network meta-analysis found it superior to cannabidiol and similar to fenfluramine. One study found it had the highest probability of achieving this outcome.	High; comparable to stiripentol and superior to cannabidiol.	Lower efficacy compared to stiripentol and fenfluramine.
Seizure Freedom	Found to be statistically superior in achieving seizure-free intervals compared to fenfluramine and cannabidiol in one analysis.	Less likely to achieve full seizure freedom compared to stiripentol in the same analysis.	Less likely to achieve full seizure freedom compared to stiripentol and fenfluramine.
Key Side Effects	Drowsiness, decreased appetite, agitation, ataxia	Decreased appetite, weight loss, cardiac concerns (requires monitoring)	Drowsiness, decreased appetite, elevated liver enzymes

Conclusion

Stiripentol is the generic name for Diacomit, an antiepileptic drug used as an add-on therapy for seizures in Dravet syndrome. It enhances the GABA system and increases levels of other antiseizure medications. Careful management is needed due to potential side effects and drug interactions.

For more information, consult the official prescribing information from the manufacturer. Diacomit Website

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common brand name for the drug stiripentol is Diacomit.

Stiripentol is used along with another medication, clobazam, to treat seizures in patients with Dravet syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy.

No, stiripentol is an add-on medication and is not approved by the FDA to be used by itself to treat seizures. It is indicated for use with clobazam.

Drowsiness (somnolence) is the most common side effect, reported in up to 67% of patients in clinical trials.

Yes, stiripentol must be taken during a meal. If taken without food, the acid in the stomach can damage the medication and reduce its effectiveness.

No, you should not stop taking stiripentol suddenly as it can cause an increase in seizure frequency or status epilepticus. A doctor will typically decrease the dose gradually.

Yes, stiripentol has significant interactions with many drugs because it inhibits liver enzymes. It can increase the levels of other medications, especially other antiepileptic drugs like clobazam and valproate.