Primidone – Generic Drug Info

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Primidone

Adjunct anti-epileptic drugs

Generic drug information & available brands

EN বাং

AI Summary Generated by AI for informational purposes only

This medication helps to control and prevent seizures in people with epilepsy. It can also be used to treat certain types of tremors. It should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Indications

Primidone, used alone or concomitantly with other anticonvulsants, is indicated in the control of grand mal, psychomotor, and focal epileptic seizures. It may control grand mal seizures refractory to other anticonvulsant therapy.

Pharmacology

Primidone raises electro- or chemoshock seizure thresholds or alters seizure patterns in experimental animals. The mechanism(s) of primidone's antiepileptic action is not known. Primidone per se has anticonvulsant activity as do its two metabolites, phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide (PEMA). In addition to its anticonvulsant activity, PEMA potentiates the anticonvulsant activity of phenobarbital in experimental animals.

Dosage & Administration

Important:
Do not take any medication without a doctor's prescription. Self-medication can be dangerous.

Patients 8 years of age and older who have received no previous treatment may be started on primidone according to the following regimen using either 50 mg or scored 250 mg primidone tablets:

Days 1 to 3: 100 to 125 mg at bedtime.
Days 4 to 6: 100 to 125 mg. twice a day.
Days 7 to 9: 100 to 125 mg three times a day.
Day 10 to maintenance: 250 mg three times a day.

For most adults and children 8 years of age and over, the usual maintenance dosage is three to four 250 mg primidone tablets in divided doses (250 mg three times a day or four times a day). If required, an increase to five or six 250 mg tablets daily may be made, but daily doses should not exceed 500 mg four times a day.

Dosage should be individualized to provide maximum benefit. In some cases, serum blood level determinations of primidone may be necessary for optimal dosage adjustment. The clinically effective serum level for primidone is between 5 to 12 mcg/mL.

Side Effects

The most frequently occurring early side effects are ataxia and vertigo. These tend to disappear with continued therapy, or with reduction of initial dosage. Occasionally, the following have been reported: nausea, anorexia, vomiting, fatigue, hyperirritability, emotional disturbances, sexual impotency, diplopia, nystagmus, drowsiness, and morbilliform skin eruptions. Granulocytopenia, agranulocytosis, and red-cell hypoplasia and aplasia, have been reported rarely. These and, occasionally, other persistent or severe side effects may necessitate withdrawal of the drug. Megaloblastic anemia may occur as a rare idiosyncrasy to Primidone and to other anticonvulsants. The anemia responds to folic acid without necessity of discontinuing medication.

Pregnancy & Lactation

The effects of Primidone in human pregnancy and nursing infants are unknown. There is evidence in mothers treated with primidone that the drug appears in breast milk in substantial quantities. Since tests for the presence of primidone in biological fluids are too complex to be carried out in the average clinical laboratory, it is suggested that the presence of undue somnolence and drowsiness in nursing newborns of Primidone-treated mothers be taken as an indication that nursing should be discontinued.

Precautions & Warnings

The total daily dosage should not exceed 2 g. Since Primidone therapy generally extends over prolonged periods, a complete blood count and a sequential multiple analysis-12 (SMA-12) test should be made every 6 months.

Storage Conditions

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. All brands listed might have copyright or trademark of their respective owners. Listed information may not be up-to-date or accurate. We do not guarantee the availability, quality, price or safety of any medication. Use at your own risk.

Available Brands

2 found

Brand	Strength	Type	৳
Rimidon Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC	50 mg	Tablet	10.00
Rimidon Beacon Pharmaceuticals PLC	250 mg	Tablet	30.00

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