Dicorate Er 125

DICORATE ER 125

Name

Brand Name: DICORATE ER 125 Common Name: Divalproex Sodium Extended-Release

Composition

Each extended-release tablet of DICORATE ER 125 contains 125 mg of Divalproex Sodium as the active ingredient.

Uses

DICORATE ER 125 is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer primarily used for:

• Epilepsy and Seizures: Managing various types of epilepsy and seizures, including simple partial, complex partial, and complex absence seizures, by decreasing abnormal nerve activity in the brain.
• Bipolar Disorder: Treating manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and stabilizing mood.
• Migraine Prevention: Preventing migraine headaches.

Dosage and Administration

DICORATE ER 125 should be taken orally as prescribed by a doctor.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, break, or chew it, as it is an extended-release formulation.
• It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.
• The dosage may vary based on the condition's severity and the patient's response to treatment.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it may trigger seizures or worsen the condition.
• A missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it's almost time for the next dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. Do not double the next dose.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation
• Dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, fatigue
• Tremor, unsteadiness, problems with walking or coordination
• Increased appetite, weight gain
• Blurred vision, double vision
• Hair loss
• Low body temperature

Serious Side Effects (Seek immediate medical attention if experienced):

• Bleeding problems (e.g., red or purple spots on the skin, bruising)
• High ammonia levels in the blood (signs include feeling tired, vomiting, changes in mental status)
• Liver injury or liver function abnormalities (symptoms may include yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, loss of appetite, stomach pain)
• Allergic reactions (skin rash, hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat)
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Dicorate ER 125 is warned against use during pregnancy due to the risk of birth defects. Caution is advised if breastfeeding. Effective contraception should be used by women of childbearing age.
• Liver and Kidney Impairment: Avoid use in patients with liver dysfunction due to increased risk of liver toxicity. Dose adjustments may be needed for patients with kidney problems.
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• Driving and Machinery: Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery as the medicine can cause dizziness and affect thinking and motor skills.
• Children: Caution is advised when giving this medicine to children under 18 years, especially those under two years, who are at a higher risk of liver toxicity.
• Other Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have pancreatitis, bleeding disorders, urea cycle disorders, mitochondrial disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts, or systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Drug Interactions: Dicorate ER 125 can interact with other medicines, including antiepileptic medicines (phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine), benzodiazepines (clonazepam, diazepam), blood thinners (warfarin), certain antidepressants, and imipenem. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.

Storage

Store Dicorate ER 125 tablets at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C, or below 30°C. Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Store in the original packaging to protect from environmental exposure. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets.

What is Dicorate ER 125 used for?

Dicorate ER 125 is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to manage epilepsy and various types of seizures, including simple, complex partial, and absence seizures. It is also prescribed to treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and for the prevention of migraine headaches.

How does Dicorate ER 125 work?

Dicorate ER 125 (Divalproex) works by calming overactive nerve signals in the brain. It achieves this by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that helps regulate electrical activity, thereby decreasing excessive neuronal excitability, preventing seizures, stabilizing mood, and reducing migraine frequency.

What is the usual dosage for Dicorate ER 125?

The exact dosage and frequency of Dicorate ER 125 are determined by your doctor based on your specific medical condition and response to treatment. It should be swallowed whole with adequate water, and should not be crushed, broken, or chewed as it is an extended-release formulation. It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body. For epilepsy, the dosage may start at 5 mg/kg, three times daily, and can be gradually increased. The maximum recommended dosage is 60 mg/kg/day.

What are the possible side effects of Dicorate ER 125?

Common side effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, increased appetite, rash, back pain, abdominal pain, tremor, blurred vision, fatigue, unsteadiness, and lowered body temperature. Most of these are temporary. More serious side effects, though rare, can include skin rash or redness, suicidal thoughts, bleeding problems (e.g., bruising, bleeding from mouth/nose), high ammonia levels in the blood, and liver injury, especially within the first six months of treatment. Long-term use may also lead to osteoporosis.

Is Dicorate ER 125 safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Dicorate ER 125 is considered unsafe to use during pregnancy due to definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking this medicine. During breastfeeding, it should be used with caution, as small quantities can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the baby. It is recommended to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Can Dicorate ER 125 be taken with other medications?

Dicorate ER 125 can interact with several other medications. These include other anti-epileptic drugs (like phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), antidepressants, anti-migraine medicines, and certain antibiotics (e.g., meropenem). It can also interact with contraceptives, immunomodulatory medicines, and some medications used for HIV infection, mental health, or anesthesia. Always inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, or herbal preparations you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while on Dicorate ER 125?

Several precautions should be observed:

• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can increase drowsiness and the risk of seizures.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Exercise caution when driving or operating heavy machinery, as this medicine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and affect thinking and motor skills.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, heart problems, pancreatitis, bleeding disorders, depression, suicidal thoughts, urea cycle disorders, mitochondrial disorders, systemic lupus erythematosus, porphyria, or any known allergies to its components.
• Monitoring: Your doctor may recommend regular blood tests, including liver function tests, especially during the first six months of treatment.
• Children: Caution is advised when giving this medicine to children, particularly those under two years, due to a higher risk of liver toxicity.
• Sudden Discontinuation: Do not stop taking Dicorate ER 125 suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can trigger seizures or worsen your condition.

What happens if a dose of Dicorate ER 125 is missed?

If you miss a dose of Dicorate ER 125, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one, as this can aggravate your medical condition. Missing doses can trigger seizures or worsen your symptoms.

How should Dicorate ER 125 be stored?

Dicorate ER 125 tablets should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it in its original packaging to protect it from environmental exposure. Ensure it is stored out of the reach of children and pets. The recommended storage temperature is typically between 20°C to 25°C, or below 30°C.