USED FOR:
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Simple and complex partial (psychomotor, temporal lobe) seizures |
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Tonic-clonic (grand mal) |
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Myoclonic seizures occasionally. |
PRECAUTIONS:
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Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney problems, asthma or other lung disease, or porphyria (as a group of medical disorders). |
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Elderly patients should use caution. |
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Avoid activities which requires mental alertness until you and your doctor agree that your current dosage does not make you drowsy. |
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:
Depending on the individual, side effects may occur at varying degrees or not at all, including:
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drowsiness |
- |
hyperirritability and hyperactivity, especially in children |
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dizziness, vertigo |
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cognitive impairment |
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loss of muscle coordination |
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sexual problems |
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fatigue |
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connective tissue disorder |
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loss of appetite |
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long term use of high doses may lead to lower calcium levels in the body, rickets or bone pain |
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nausea |
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mood or mental change |
Allergic Reaction - skin rash (if you notice a skin rash seek immediate medical help)
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
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Primidone is gradually reduced to phenobarbital by the body, so may lead to increased levels of phenobarbital if taken with it. |
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May reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and steroids. |
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May decrease the effects of phenytoin (Dilantin®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), tricyclic depressants, and oral anticoagulants like warfarin. |
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Carbamazepine may lower primidone levels as well. |
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Valproate may increase primidone levels. |
| - |
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors may lead to an increase of primidone levels. |
Inform your doctor and pharmacist of any other medicines (prescription and nonprescription) or substances you are taking.
DAILY DOSAGE:
Adults - 750 to 1500 mg/day
Children under 8 years - 10 to 25 mg/kg/day or 375 to 750 mg/day
Regimen - Taken in three doses
Dosage should be individualized
FORMS:
Tablets - 125 and 250 mg
TIPS FOR USING PRIMIDONE (Mysoline®):
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Side effects like dizziness and drowsiness may end after a period of adjustment. |
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Taking the drug with or immediately after meals may help prevent stomach upset. |
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Have your blood level monitored every 6 months. |
MISSED DOSE:
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered. Do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up. If you skip a whole day, inform your doctor.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature (15 to 30¼C), protect from light heat and moisture and keep out of reach of children.
IN PREGNANCY:
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Anti-epileptic medications may slightly increase the risk of fetal abnormalities. |
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Women who are considering pregnancy should first consult their doctor. |
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Breastfeeding may not be recommended, as primidone is present in breast milk. |
WARNING:
Abrupt withdrawal of any anti-epileptic medication may trigger status epilepticus, a potentially fatal condition of continued seizures without recovery. When there is a need for reduction, discontinuation or substitution of the medication, this should be done gradually and under the physician's care.
Never discontinue anti-epileptic medications or make changes in activities unless specifically advised to do so by an attending physician.
MORE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR MEDICATION
CREDIT:
This drug fact sheet has been reviewed by the pharmacists of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association Drug Information and Research Centre (DIRC).
DISCLAIMER:
The material offered on the website of Epilepsy Toronto is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as personal medical advice. Epilepsy Toronto, its employees, Board members, Medical Advisors, volunteers, agents and sponsors do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions or for consequences from the use of information obtained over this site or any links accessed through this site, and is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information in its content in either an indirect or direct form. We recognize that each individual's experience of epilepsy is different. Consult your physician and/or neurologist with any questions you have.
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