Ampanel 4mg Tab

AMPANEL 4MG Tablet

AMPANEL 4MG Tablet, manufactured by Sun Pharma, is an anti-epileptic medication prescribed for the management of seizures.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: AMPANEL 4MG TAB
  • Common Name: Perampanel

• Composition:

  • Each tablet contains Perampanel 4 mg as the active ingredient.

• Uses: AMPANEL 4MG Tablet is primarily used as an adjunctive therapy to manage various types of seizures associated with epilepsy. It is prescribed for:

  • Partial-onset seizures with or without secondarily generalized seizures in adults, adolescents, and children (4 years and older).
  • Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children 12 years of age and older. It works by blocking specific glutamate receptors in the brain, thereby reducing the abnormal and excessive activity of nerve cells that can lead to seizures.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • AMPANEL 4MG Tablet should be taken as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not chew, crush, or break it.
  • It can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it at the same time each day, preferably at bedtime.
  • The usual starting dose for adults is 2 mg once daily at bedtime, which may be gradually increased by your doctor based on response and tolerance, up to a maximum recommended dose of 12 mg per day.

• Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

  • Dizziness or spinning sensation (vertigo)
  • Drowsiness or somnolence
  • Fatigue and tiredness
  • Increased or decreased appetite, weight gain
  • Aggression, anger, irritability, anxiety, or confusion
  • Difficulty walking, balance issues (ataxia, gait disturbance)
  • Nausea, back pain Serious side effects can include severe psychiatric and behavioral reactions, including thoughts of suicide or violence.

• Precautions:

  • Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may worsen side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness, and may increase the risk of seizures.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Caution is advised during pregnancy, and it is generally not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor.
  • Liver and Kidney Impairment: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney problems; dose adjustment may be necessary. It is not recommended for severe hepatic impairment.
  • Driving and Machinery: AMPANEL may cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially at the start of treatment. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
  • Discontinuation: Do not suddenly stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms (e.g., anxiety, irritability, insomnia) and increase seizure frequency.
  • Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including hormonal contraceptives (as AMPANEL may reduce their effectiveness), and other anti-epileptics (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), rifampicin, St. John's Wort, and ketoconazole.

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

Here are frequently asked questions about AMPANEL 4MG TAB:

1. What is AMPANEL 4MG Tablet used for?

AMPANEL 4MG Tablet is an anti-epileptic medication primarily used in the treatment of epilepsy. It is prescribed as an adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures (with or without secondary generalization) and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients with epilepsy. It helps reduce the frequency of seizures.

2. How does AMPANEL 4MG Tablet work?

AMPANEL 4MG Tablet contains Perampanel, which works by selectively blocking a specific receptor in the brain called the AMPA glutamate receptor. By doing so, it suppresses the abnormal and excessive electrical activity of nerve cells in the brain, which is responsible for causing seizures.

3. What is the usual dosage of AMPANEL 4MG Tablet?

The typical starting dose for adults is 2 mg once daily, taken orally at bedtime. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose by increments of 2 mg, usually not more frequently than weekly, up to a recommended maintenance dosage of 4 mg to 8 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 12 mg per day. It can be taken with or without food, but it is advised to take it at the same time each day.

4. What are the possible side effects of AMPANEL 4MG Tablet?

Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness (somnolence), fatigue, increased or decreased appetite, weight gain, nausea, and balance disorders (difficulty with walking or balance). More serious side effects can include psychiatric and behavioral reactions such as aggression, anger, irritability, anxiety, confusion, and suicidal thoughts. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, especially mood changes or suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor immediately.

5. Is AMPANEL 4MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

AMPANEL 4MG Tablet is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy or for women planning pregnancy, as animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby, and limited human data suggests it may be unsafe. It is also likely unsafe during breastfeeding, as the drug may pass into breast milk and potentially harm the baby. Women of child-bearing potential should use reliable contraception while taking this medicine and for one month after stopping it. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice.

6. Can AMPANEL 4MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

Yes, but caution is advised as it can interact with several medications. Inform your doctor if you are taking other anti-epileptic medicines like carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, felbamate, or midazolam, as these can affect the effectiveness of AMPANEL 4MG Tablet. Other interactions include rifampicin (for bacterial infections), St. John's Wort (herbal medicine), and ketoconazole (for fungal infections). AMPANEL 4MG Tablet may also reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives containing levonorgestrel, so alternative contraception might be needed.

7. What precautions should be taken while using AMPANEL 4MG Tablet?

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking AMPANEL 4MG Tablet, as it can increase dizziness, drowsiness, and may worsen feelings of anger or confusion. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, as it can cause dizziness and sleepiness. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, a history of substance abuse, or psychiatric disorders, including depression or suicidal thoughts. This medicine is not recommended for children below certain ages (4 years for partial seizures and 7 years for generalized seizures).

8. What happens if a dose of AMPANEL 4MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of AMPANEL 4MG 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 a missed one. Missing doses can increase the frequency of seizures.

9. How should AMPANEL 4MG Tablet be stored?

Keep AMPANEL 4MG Tablet out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, ideally between 20°C and 25°C. Keep the medicine in its original packaging, away from bright sunlight and areas with high moisture, such as bathrooms or kitchens.

10. Can I stop taking AMPANEL 4MG Tablet suddenly?

No, you should not stop taking AMPANEL 4MG Tablet suddenly without consulting your doctor. Abruptly discontinuing the medication can increase the frequency of seizures and may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nervousness, irritability, fatigue, weakness, lethargy, mood swings, and sleeplessness. Your doctor will guide you on how to gradually reduce the dose if necessary.