Dicorate Er 250 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

DICORATE ER 250 MG TABLET

DICORATE ER 250 MG TABLET by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD. is an extended-release medication primarily used to manage various neurological and psychiatric conditions.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: DICORATE ER 250 MG TABLET
  • Common Name: Divalproex Sodium

• Composition:

  • Each tablet contains Divalproex Sodium 250 mg. Divalproex sodium is an anticonvulsant that works by reducing excessive and aberrant nerve activity in the brain. It also increases the concentration of GABA, a chemical messenger that helps calm nerve communication.

• Uses: DICORATE ER 250 MG TABLET is prescribed for the treatment and management of:

  • Epilepsy and seizures (fits).
  • Manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
  • Prevention of migraine headaches.
  • Trigeminal neuralgia.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Take DICORATE ER 250 MG TABLET exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water; do not crush, chew, or split it.
  • It can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food may help avoid stomach upset.
  • The dosage and duration depend on the medical condition, age, weight, and response to treatment. It is crucial to take the medication at the same time each day for consistency. Do not stop the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can trigger seizures or worsen your condition.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, upset stomach or stomach pain, tremors, sleepiness, headache, dizziness, weight gain, thinning hair, blurred vision, decreased body temperature, skin rash or redness, constipation, back pain, and abdominal pain.
  • Serious Side Effects: Liver problems (symptoms include abdominal pain, dark urine, yellow eyes/skin), pancreatitis (sudden and severe stomach pain), suicidal thoughts and tendencies, and severe allergic reactions (e.g., hive-like swelling on the face, lips, or throat). Consult your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.

• Precautions:

  • Pregnancy: This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to the risk of serious birth defects. Women of childbearing age should use effective birth control and discuss folic acid supplementation with their doctor.
  • Breastfeeding: Use with caution; only a minimal amount passes into breast milk.
  • Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase drowsiness, dizziness, and the risk of seizures.
  • Driving/Operating Machinery: Avoid these activities if you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or tiredness.
  • Liver/Kidney Disease: Exercise caution and inform your doctor if you have a history of liver or kidney problems, as dose adjustments or monitoring may be necessary.
  • Other Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have congenital metabolism disorders, urea cycle disorders, pancreatitis, porphyria, or mitochondrial disorders.
  • Allergies: Do not take if you are allergic to Divalproex Sodium or any other components of the tablet.

• Storage:

  • Store DICORATE ER 250 MG TABLET at room temperature, ideally below 30°C.
  • Protect from light and moisture.
  • Keep the medicine in its original packaging.
  • Ensure it is out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Always check the expiry date before use.

What is Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet used for?

Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet is an anticonvulsant medicine primarily used to treat epilepsy and control seizures. It is also prescribed for the management of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and for the prevention of migraine headaches.

How does Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet work?

This medicine contains Divalproex Sodium (Valproic acid), which works by reducing abnormal and excessive electrical activity in the brain that leads to seizures. It also increases the concentration of a calming brain chemical called GABA, which helps stabilize mood in bipolar disorder and limits the transmission of nerve pain signals to prevent migraines.

What is the usual dosage for Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet?

The dosage of Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, age, weight, and response to treatment. It is usually taken once or twice daily. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and should not be crushed or chewed. It can be taken with or without food, but taking it at the same time each day is recommended for consistent effectiveness.

What are the possible side effects of Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet?

Common side effects may include nausea, upset stomach, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, tremors (shakes), weight gain, and thinning hair or hair loss. More serious, but rare, side effects can include liver damage, changes in mood or behavior (including suicidal thoughts), and bleeding problems. If you experience persistent or severe side effects, or any concerning symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

Is Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it carries a definite risk to the developing baby, including congenital defects. Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking this medicine. During breastfeeding, the medicine passes into breast milk. While considered safe in minimal amounts, caution is advised, and infants should be monitored for signs of liver damage. It is crucial to consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Can Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet can interact with various medications. Inform your doctor about all the medicines, supplements, or herbal preparations you are currently taking. Notable interactions include increased levels or side effects when taken with NSAIDs (like aspirin), certain anti-epileptic medicines (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, felbamate, topiramate), warfarin (blood thinners), and certain antibiotics (e.g., carbapenem antibiotics like imipenem or meropenem).

What precautions should be taken while using Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet?

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease, urea cycle disorders, porphyria, mitochondrial disorders, depression, or suicidal thoughts. Avoid alcohol consumption, as it can worsen side effects like dizziness and tiredness. Due to potential drowsiness or dizziness, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this can trigger seizures or worsen your condition.

What happens if a dose of Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet, 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.

How should Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet be stored?

Dicorate ER 250 MG Tablet should be stored at room temperature, ideally below 30°C, protected from light and moisture. Keep it in its original packaging and out of the sight and reach of children and pets. Always check the expiry date before using the medicine.