About rufinamide
Antiseizure medicine
Used for
- Add-on treatment for seizures associated with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome.
Usual adult dose
Usually started at 400–800 mg daily in two doses, then increased gradually; maximum 3,200 mg daily.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 1 year and older: start at 10 mg/kg daily in two doses, increasing gradually; maximum 45 mg/kg daily or 3,200 mg, whichever is lower.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness or tiredness
- Dizziness or problems with coordination
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
Important warnings
- Do not stop suddenly; seizures may worsen.
- Can shorten the QT interval; avoid with familial short-QT syndrome.
- Seek urgent care for serious rash, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty.
- Dose may need adjustment with kidney or liver problems.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited; seizure treatment changes during pregnancy require specialist supervision.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether rufinamide passes into breast milk; discuss potential risks with a clinician.
Interactions
- Valproate can increase rufinamide levels, especially in children.
- Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or rifampin can lower rufinamide levels.
- Rufinamide may reduce hormonal contraceptive effectiveness.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.