What is this medication for?
Rufinamide belongs to the group of medications called antiseizure medications. It is used along with other medications to treat certain types of seizures for people with a condition called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The exact way that this medication works is currently not known.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The usual starting dose of rufinamide for adults is 200 mg to 400 mg taken twice daily. Your doctor will gradually increase the dose every 2 days until a maximum of 1,600 mg twice daily is achieved.
The starting dose for children is 10 mg per kilogram of body weight daily, given in 2 equally divided doses. The dose is gradually increased every 2 days until a maximum dose of 45 mg per kilogram of body weight per day (or 1,600 mg twice daily) is reached.
Rufinamide should be taken with food. The tablets may be swallowed whole, crushed, or halved to make it easier to take this medication.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Rufinamide should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to rufinamide or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- has a heart rhythm problem called familial short QT syndrome