Torvate Chrono 300 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

TORVATE CHRONO 300 MG TABLET is an anticonvulsant medication manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., primarily used for the management of epilepsy and certain neurological conditions.

Name

• Brand Name: TORVATE CHRONO 300 MG TABLET
• Common Names: Sodium Valproate, Valproic Acid

Composition

Each tablet contains a combination of active ingredients:

• Sodium Valproate: 200 mg
• Valproic Acid: 87 mg

Uses

TORVATE CHRONO 300 MG TABLET is prescribed for:

• Epilepsy: Managing various forms of epilepsy, including generalised tonic-clonic seizures, absence seizures, partial seizures with complex symptomatology, myoclonic seizures, and grand mal epilepsy. It works by controlling abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
• Bipolar Disorder: Stabilizing mood and managing manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
• Migraine Prevention: Reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.

Dosage and Administration

• Take the tablet preferably with food to minimise stomach discomfort.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
• The dosage and duration are determined by your doctor and may be gradually increased.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly, as it can lead to increased seizure frequency or worsening of bipolar disorder.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea.
• Drowsiness, sedation, tremor, dizziness, headache.
• Increased appetite, weight gain, hair loss, skin rashes.

Serious side effects like liver injury or pancreatitis require immediate medical attention.

Precautions

• Contraindications: Avoid if allergic to sodium valproate, valproic acid, or any other ingredients. Not recommended for patients with active liver disease, urea cycle disorders, porphyria, or mitochondrial disorders.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Caution is advised during pregnancy due to potential harm to the unborn baby (Pregnancy Category D). Consult your doctor if pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Women of child-bearing age should use effective contraception.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase side effects like drowsiness and raise the risk of seizures.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Avoid these activities if the medicine causes drowsiness or dizziness.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, as TORVATE CHRONO can interact with other antiepileptics, pain relievers, benzodiazepines, antiretrovirals, and some antidepressants.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place, ideally at temperatures not exceeding 30°C. Protect from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep out of reach of children.

What is Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet used for?

Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet is primarily used to manage various forms of epilepsy, including generalized tonic-clonic, absence, partial, myoclonic, petit mal, and grand mal seizures. Additionally, it is prescribed for controlling manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and for the prevention of migraine headaches.

How does Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet work?

This medicine contains Sodium Valproate (200 mg) and Valproic Acid (87 mg). It works by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, in the brain. By boosting GABA, it helps to calm excessive and abnormal electrical activity of nerve cells in the brain, thereby controlling seizures and stabilizing mood.

What is the usual dosage for Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet?

The dosage of Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition and response to treatment. It should be taken exactly as prescribed, typically with food to minimize stomach upset. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed or chewed, as this can affect its effectiveness. For epilepsy, typical starting doses are 10-15 mg/kg per day, gradually increasing. For bipolar disorder, a starting dose might be around 750 mg/day, and for migraines, usually 200-400 mg per day in divided doses.

What are the possible side effects of Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet?

Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, increased appetite, diarrhea, tremor, sedation, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, weight gain, hair loss, and skin rashes. More serious but less common side effects can involve liver damage, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and hyperammonemia (high blood ammonia levels). It is important to inform your doctor if any side effects are severe or persistent.

Is Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet is generally considered unsafe during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby, potentially causing birth defects and developmental issues. It belongs to pregnancy category D. For breastfeeding, small quantities of the medicine can pass into breast milk and may affect the baby. It is crucial to consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet can interact with several other medications. Always inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines you are currently taking. It can increase the levels of other antiepileptics (like phenytoin, carbamazepine), aspirin, warfarin (increasing bleeding risk), zidovudine, and benzodiazepines (increasing sedation). Interactions with antidepressants and antipsychotics can increase the risk of side effects, including serotonin syndrome.

What precautions should be taken while using Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet?

Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to an increase in seizure frequency or worsening of bipolar disorder. Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication as it can heighten side effects like drowsiness and dizziness and may increase the risk of seizures. You should also avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Caution is advised if you have a history of liver disease (it is contraindicated in severe hepatic dysfunction), urea cycle disorders, porphyria, kidney problems, or bleeding disorders. Regular monitoring of liver function is important during treatment.

What happens if a dose of Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose of Torvate Chrono 300 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. Missing doses can potentially trigger bipolar symptoms or increase the frequency of seizures.

How should Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet be stored?

Torvate Chrono 300 MG Tablet should be stored in a cool, dry place, ideally at temperatures not exceeding 30°C. It should be protected from direct sunlight and moisture, and always kept out of the reach of children.