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Archive for the ‘miscellaneous anticonvulsants’ Category

Sulfamag

Posted by admin on November 4th, 2009

Sulfamag

Generic Name: magnesium sulfate injection (mag NEE see um SUL fate)

What is Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate injection)?

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves.

Magnesium sulfate injection is used to used to control low blood levels of magnesium (hypomagnesemia). Magnesium sulfate injection is also used for pediatric acute nephritis and to prevent seizures in severe pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, or toxemia of pregnancy.

Magnesium sulfate injection may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate injection)?

Magnesium sulfate injection should be administered as an injection into a muscle or intravenously by a healthcare provider. It should be administered in a clinical setting where an emergency situation can be handled properly.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate injection)?

Do not use magnesium sulfate injection without first talking to your doctor if you

are dehydrated;

have a stomach or intestinal condition;

have heart disease.

You may not be able to use magnesium sulfate injection, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Tell your doctor about all prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products that your are taking.

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or caffeine drinks regularly, if you smoke, or if you use any illegal drugs. These factors can affect the way magnesium sulfate injection works in your body.

Magnesium sulfate injection is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not use magnesium sulfate injection without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Do not use magnesium sulfate injection without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate injection)?

Magnesium sulfate injection should be administered as an injection into a muscle or intravenously by a healthcare provider. It should be administered in a clinical setting where an emergency situation can be handled properly.

Your healthcare provider will store magnesium sulfate injection as directed by the manufacturer.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since the medication will be administered by a healthcare provider, missing a dose should not occur.

What happens if I overdose?

If an overdose of magnesium sulfate injection is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Magnesium sulfate injection should be administered in a clinical setting where an emergency situation can be handled properly.

What should I avoid while using Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate injection)?

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or caffeine drinks regularly, if you smoke, or if you use any illegal drugs. These factors can affect the way magnesium sulfate injection works in your body.

Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate injection) side effects

Side effects with magnesium sulfate injection are not common. Serious side effects include:

an allergic reaction (shortness of breath; closing of the throat; hives; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; rash; or fainting);

heart disturbances;

breathing difficulties;

poor reflexes;

confusion, extreme tiredness or weakness;

low body temperature;

severe headache;

fainting;

rash or flushing;

vision problems; or

nausea or vomiting.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Sulfamag (magnesium sulfate injection)?

Before taking magnesium sulfate injection, talk to your doctor if you are taking

seizure medications;

medications to help you sleep;

medications for allergies or hay fever;

medications for anxiety, mental problems, or psychotic disturbances;

laxatives or antacids;

dietary supplements; or

medications for pain control.

You not be able to take magnesium sulfate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Other drugs can interact with magnesium sulfate injection resulting in dangerous side effects and/or decreased effectiveness. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, without first talking to your doctor during treatment with magnesium sulfate injection.

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Epsom Salt

Posted by admin on November 4th, 2009

Epsom Salt

Generic Name: magnesium sulfate (mag NEE see um SUL fate)

What is Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate)?

Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral. Magnesium is important for many systems in the body especially the muscles and nerves. Magnesium sulfate also increases water in the intestines, which may induce defecation.

Magnesium hydroxide is used as a laxative to relieve occasional constipation (irregularity).

Magnesium sulfate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate)?

Before taking magnesium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium sulfate may not be recommended in some situations.

Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative. Magnesium sulfate should not be used for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium sulfate and contact your healthcare provider.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate)?

Do not take magnesium sulfate without first talking to your doctor if you have kidney disease. Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative. Magnesium sulfate should not be used for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium sulfate and contact your healthcare provider.

Before taking magnesium sulfate, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions, allergies, or if you take other medicines or other herbal/health supplements. Magnesium sulfate may not be recommended in some situations.

It is not known whether magnesium sulfate will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take magnesium sulfate without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. It is not known whether magnesium sulfate will be harmful to an nursing baby. Do not take magnesium sulfate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate)?

Take magnesium sulfate exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed on the package. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Magnesium sulfate may be used orally or as a rectal enema. Follow your doctor’s instructions or the directions on the package.

Do not use magnesium sulfate as a laxative if you have stomach (abdominal) pain, nausea, or vomiting, unless directed by a doctor. If you notice a sudden change in bowel habits that persists over a period of 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider before using a laxative. Magnesium sulfate should not be used for longer than one week, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider. Rectal bleeding or failure to have a bowel movement after use of a laxative may indicate a more serious condition; stop using magnesium sulfate and contact your healthcare provider. Do not take more magnesium sulfate than is directed. Store magnesium sulfate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an magnesium sulfate overdose include nausea, vomiting, flushing, low blood pressure, a slow heartbeat, drowsiness, coma, and death.

What should I avoid while taking Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate)?

There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while taking magnesium sulfate unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) side effects

Stop taking magnesium sulfate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take magnesium sulfate and talk to your doctor if you experience diarrhea or upset stomach.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate)?

Before taking magnesium sulfate, talk to your doctor if you are taking

a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others);

a fluoroquinolone antibiotic such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), enoxacin (Penetrex), norfloxacin (Noroxin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), levofloxacin (Levaquin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), grepafloxacin (Raxar), and others;

penicillamine (Cuprimine);

digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps); or

nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Furadantin, others).

You not be able to take magnesium sulfate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Drugs other than those listed here can also interact with magnesium sulfate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

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Vimpat

Posted by admin on November 4th, 2009

Vimpat

Generic Name: lacosamide (la KOE sa mide)

What is Vimpat?

Vimpat is an antiepileptic drug. Exactly how lacosamide works is not known, but it may work by slowing abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.

Vimpat is used together with other medications to treat partial-onset seizures in people with epilepsy who are at least 17 years old.

Vimpat may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Vimpat

You should not use Vimpat if you are allergic to lacosamide.

Before you take Vimpat, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, or a serious heart condition such as “AV block,” heart failure, or sick sinus syndrome (unless you have a pacemaker).

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Vimpat. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic, or if you feel hyperactive, talkative, restless, agitated, aggressive, angry, impulsive, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking Vimpat?

You should not use Vimpat if you are allergic to lacosamide.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take Vimpat, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease;

liver disease; or

a serious heart condition such as “AV block,” heart failure, or sick sinus syndrome (unless you have a pacemaker).

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking Vimpat. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Vimpat is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Your name may need to be listed on a antiepileptic drug pregnancy registry if you become pregnant while you are taking this medication. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether Vimpat had any effect on the baby.

It is not known whether lacosamide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 17 years old.

How should I take Vimpat?

Take Vimpat exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. You may also need to use an IV injection form of Vimpat for a short time.

Vimpat can be taken with or without food.

Do not stop using Vimpat without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop using Vimpat suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking Vimpat.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have seizures, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

It is important to use Vimpat regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Store Vimpat at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose can cause dizziness, blurred vision, confusion, fast heart rate, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Vimpat?

Vimpat can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Vimpat side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic, or if you feel hyperactive, talkative, restless, agitated, aggressive, angry, impulsive, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using Vimpat and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

confusion, thoughts of hurting yourself;

double vision;

feeling like you might pass out;

fast or pounding heartbeats;

feeling short of breath;

fever, swollen glands, easy bruising or bleeding;

nausea, pain in your upper stomach, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);

skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or

lower back pain, cloudy or bloody urine, swelling, rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual.

Less serious Vimpat side effects may include:

headache, ringing in your ears;

tremors, muscle spasms, numbness or tingly feeling;

drowsiness, trouble concentrating;

dizziness, spinning sensation;

loss of balance or coordination;

constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting; or

blurred vision.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What other drugs will affect Vimpat?

There may be other drugs that can interact with Vimpat. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

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