Author: Joshua Alexander, MD
COMMON USES:
Used with other medicines to help control infantile spasms and partial seizure disorders.
HOW IT'S SUPPLIED:
25- milligram capsules.
50- milligram capsules.
100-milligram capsules.
HOW IT WORKS:
While it is not known exactly how this medicine works, it is thought to decrease seizures by calming nerve cells in the brain.
THINGS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTOR:
* Commonly causes drowsiness, especially at higher doses.
* May decrease sweating in some people, causing dangerously high body temperatures.
* Patients on this drug should be watched carefully during warm or hot weather.
* Use with caution in children with history of allergies to sulfa drugs.
* Use with caution in children with kidney or liver disease.
* Since it may increase the risk of kidney stones, patients should drink plenty of water while on this medicine.
* May lower the pH of your blood. Serum bicarbonate levels should be done before and during treatment to make sure that they do not become too low.
* You should contact your doctor if your child develops sudden onset of back or stomach pain or blood in the urine.
* Do not suddenly stop taking this drug as it may cause seizures to happen.
|
