About rufinamide
Antiseizure medicine
Used for
- Used with other medicines to treat seizures in Lennox–Gastaut syndrome.
Usual adult dose
Usually started at 400–800 mg daily in two doses; increased gradually, up to 3,200 mg daily.
Usual dose in children
For children aged 1 year and older, usually started at 10 mg/kg daily in two doses; increased gradually, up to 45 mg/kg daily or 3,200 mg daily, whichever is lower.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue, headache
- Nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite
- Coordination problems or unsteady walking
Important warnings
- Do not stop suddenly; seizures may worsen.
- May cause suicidal thoughts or mood changes.
- Can shorten the QT interval; avoid with familial short-QT syndrome.
- Seek urgent care for rash, facial swelling, or breathing difficulty.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy data are limited; seizure treatment changes during pregnancy require specialist oversight.
Breastfeeding
It is not known whether rufinamide passes into breast milk; discuss risks with a clinician.
Interactions
- Valproate can increase rufinamide levels, especially in children.
- Rufinamide can reduce hormonal contraceptive effectiveness.
- Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, and primidone may alter rufinamide levels.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.