Rufinamide
Brand Names
BanzelWhat is Rufinamide
Rufinamide is an anticonvulsant, that is used in combination with other medication and therapy to treat Lennox–Gastaut syndrome and various other seizure disorders. Rufinamide is a triazole derivative, was developed in 2004 by Novartis Pharma, AG, and is manufactured by Eisai.
Side effects of Rufinamide
This medicine can cause the following side effects:
- fever, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms, feeling very weak or tired
- painful sores in or around your eyes or mouth, sore throat, trouble swallowing
- loss of balance or coordination, trouble walking
- skin rash, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, severe muscle pain or weakness
- upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, feeling short of breath
- confusion, nausea and vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain
- lower back pain, bloody urine, urinating less than usual
- pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating
- new or worsening cough with fever, trouble breathing
- worsening of seizures
Indication
Rufinamide is effective in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a severe form of epilepsy that begins during childhood and causes several types of seizures, behavioral disturbances and developmental delays). Rufinamide belongs to a group of medications called anticonvulsants. It acts by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Precautions
You should not take this medicine of you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- liver disease
- kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis)
- a history of depression, mental illness or suicidal thoughts or actions
Dosage forms
Rufinamide is available as a tablet. The dosage should be determined by your doctor. The standard dose is 1 tablet taken with food 2 per day. For the better result you should take this medicine at the same time every day.
