Retigabine (INN) or ezogabine (USAN) is an anticonvulsant used as an adjunctive treatment for partial epilepsies in treatment-experienced adult patients.

[5][6][7] This mechanism of action is unique among antiepileptic drugs, and may hold promise for the treatment of other neurologic conditions, including tinnitus, migraine and neuropathic pain.

The adverse effects found in the Phase II trial mainly affected the central nervous system, and appeared to be dose-related.

[10] In 2013, FDA warned the public that Potiga (ezogabine) can cause blue skin discoloration and eye abnormalities characterized by pigment changes in the retina.

In vitro studies suggest that the main metabolite of retigabine acts as a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, and may thus increase absorption and reduce elimination of digoxin.

[8] In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase II clinical trial, retigabine was added to the treatment regimen of 399 participants with partial seizures that were refractory to therapy with other antiepileptic drugs.

[8][10][9] A Phase II trial meant to assess the safety and efficacy of retigabine for treating postherpetic neuralgia was completed in 2009, but failed to meet its primary endpoint.

[20] The FDA Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drugs Advisory Committee met on August 11, 2010, to discuss the process and unanimously recommended approval of Potiga for the intended indication (add-on treatment of partial seizures in adults).

[21][22] However, the possibility of urinary retention as an adverse effect was considered a significant concern, and the panel's members recommended that some sort of monitoring strategy be used to identify patients at risk of bladder dysfunction.

[25] In 2010, however, the USAN Council rescinded its previous decision and assigned "ezogabine" as the United States Adopted Name for the drug.