Primidone

Primidone is used either in combination with other anticonvulsants or by itself, to treat and to control grand mal, psychomotor and certain focal epileptic seizures. It is administered orally, and is available in the form of tablets. This medicine is prescribed differently for adults and children who are over 8 years of age and for children under 8 years of age.

The dosage of Primidone depends on whether the patient is already being given other anticonvulsants or not. The most common side effects of Primidone are vertigo and ataxia. These symptoms reduce over time, or with reduction in dosage.

There have been occasional reports of nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, extreme irritability, sexual impotency, emotional disturbances, drowsiness, and skin eruptions. Irregularities in blood cell counts have been infrequently reported. In cases of such severe side effects, doctors are advised to facilitate withdrawal of the drug.

Since this medicine is antiepileptic in nature, its withdrawal must be slow and gradual. The sudden withdrawal of such medication may lead to status epilepticus. As it were, a dosage regimen consisting of Primidone takes several weeks before its efficiency can be assessed.

Inform your health supervisor if you are allergic to any of the components of this medicine. Take exactly as directed (do not increase dose or frequency or discontinue without consulting prescriber); may cause physical and/or psychological dependence.

While using this medication, do not use alcohol and other prescription or OTC medications (especially pain medications, sedatives, antihistamines, or hypnotics) without consulting prescriber.

Wear identification of epileptic status and medications. Report behavioral or CNS changes (confusion, depression, increased sedation, excitation, headache, insomnia, or lethargy); muscle weakness, or tremors; unusual bruising or bleeding (mouth, urine, stool); worsening of seizure activity, or loss of seizure control.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Epilepsy

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Porphyria

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Drowsiness

• Skin Rash

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Vertigo

• Diarrhoea

• Fatigue

• Anorexia

• Impotence

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  This medicine may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness with alcohol.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is unsafe to use during pregnancy.
  There is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk, for example in life-threatening situations. Please consult your doctor.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Caution to be advised in patients with impaired renal function.

• Does this affect liver function?

  There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  The missed dose can be taken as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next dosage then the missed dose can be skipped.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Consult your doctor in case of overdose.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Primidone as ingredient

• Prolet 25mg Tablet

  Alteus Biogenics Pvt Ltd

• Mysoline 250Mg Tablet

  Abbott India Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Though the precise mechanism of action of this medication is not known, it is evidenced that it changes seizure patterns. The active constituent (primidone) and its two metabolites, phenobarbital and phenylethylmalonamide have anticonvulsant activity.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

test

• Interaction with Lab Test

  False test report might result due to fluctuation of alkaline phosphatase (S); calcium (S) level.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Concomitant use of this medicine with the following must be avoided:

  • Primidone may reduce the efficacy of beta-blockers, chloramphenicol, cimetidine, clozapine, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, disopyramide, doxycycline, ethosuximide, furosemide, griseofulvin, haloperidol, lamotrigine, methadone, nifedipine, oral contraceptives, phenothiazine, phenytoin, propafenone, quinidine, tacrolimus, TCAs, theophylline, warfarin, and verapamil.
  • Increased toxicity when combined with other CNS depressants, benzodiazepine, valproic acid, chloramphenicol, or antidepressants; respiratory and CNS depression may be additive.
  • MAOIs may prolong the effect of primidone.
  • Barbiturates inhibit the hypoprothombinemic response to warfarin.

• Interaction with Disease

  • Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment, pulmonary insufficiency; abrupt withdrawal may precipitate status epilepticus. Potential for drug dependency exists. Do not administer to patients in acute pain.
  • Use caution in elderly, debilitated, or pediatric patients - may cause paradoxical responses. May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities. Patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (ie, operating machinery or driving). Effects with other sedative drugs or ethanol may be potentiated.
  • Use with caution in patients with depression or suicidal tendencies, or in patients with a history of drug abuse. Tolerance or psychological and physical dependence may occur with prolonged use.
  • Primidone's metabolite, phenobarbital, has been associated with cognitive deficits in children.
  • Use with caution in patients with hypoadrenalism.

• Interaction with Food

  • Folic acid: Low erythrocyte and CSF folate concentrations. Megaloblastic anemia has been reported. To avoid folic acid deficiency and megaloblastic anemia, some clinicians recommend giving patients on anticonvulsants prophylactic doses of folic acid and cyanocobalamin.
  • Protein-deficient diets: Increases duration of action of primidone. Should not restrict or delete protein from diet unless discussed with physician. Be consistent with protein intake during primidone therapy.
  • Fresh fruits containing vitamin C: Displaces drug from binding sites, resulting in increased urinary excretion of primidone. Educate patients regarding the potential for decreased primidone effect with consumption of foods high in vitamin C.

• Ques : Is Primidone habit forming?

  Ans : Yes, if you use Primidone for a long time, you may become dependent on it. Moreover, stopping the medicine suddenly may also lead to withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, you must inform your doctor before stopping the Primidone.

• Ques : Can I stop taking Primidone?

  Ans : Do not stop taking Primidone even if you are feeling well, unless your doctor advises so. Suddenly stopping Primidone may cause unwanted effects commonly known as withdrawal symptoms. To prevent this, the dose of Primidone needs to be reduced gradually before completely stopping it.

• Ques : What should I avoid while taking Primidone?

  Ans : If Primidone makes you feel sleepy, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Alcohol consumption should be avoided since taking both together may cause excessive sleepiness. You should avoid getting pregnant since Primidone is associated with an increased risk of abnormalities in babies.

• Ques : What are the serious side effects of using Primidone? How can I check for these side effects?

  Ans : Severe allergic reactions, skin reactions, abnormalities in blood cells, and worsening of seizures are some of the serious side effects of Primidone. Severe allergic reactions may result in difficulty in breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or hives. Skin reactions may cause redness, pain, ulcers, blisters, shedding the outer layer of skin. If you have an abnormality of the blood cells, your skin may appear pale. Additionally you may suffer from abnormal bleeding or frequent bruising, fever, or sore throat.

• Ques : Can Primidone cause headache?

  Ans : Though headache is not a very common side effect of Primidone, it can occur in a few patients.

• Ques : Does Primidone affect blood pressure?

  Ans : No, Primidone does not have any effect on blood pressure.

• Ques : Can I take Primidone and propranolol together?

  Ans : While taking propranolol and Primidone together, your blood pressure should be monitored as Primidone may interfere with working of propranolol. Your doctor may modify your dose if needed.

• Ques : How should I store Primidone?

  Ans : Keep it in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Do not leave it on a windowsill or in the car on hot days. Keep it out of reach of children.