Rufinamide: The Anticonvulsant for Epilepsy Treatment
What is Rufinamide?
Rufinamide is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy. It stabilizes the electrical activity in the brain, preventing and reducing seizures.
How Rufinamide Works
Rufinamide works by inhibiting the activity of sodium channels in the brain, reducing excessive neuronal firing that causes seizures. By stabilizing neuronal activity, it helps to control seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
When to Use Rufinamide
● Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Rufinamide is used as an adjunctive therapy to control seizures in patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, especially in children.
Dosage
● Adult and Pediatric Dose: The typical starting dose is 10 mg/kg/day, gradually increased to a maximum of 45 mg/kg/day, depending on the patient’s response. Maximum dose is 3200 mg/day.
Side Effects
● Common Effects: Drowsiness, dizziness, irritability, and nausea.
● Serious Adverse Effects: Severe allergic reactions, hepatic dysfunction, and suicidal thoughts.