Lacosam Syp

LACOSAM SYP by TORRENT PHARMACEUTICALS LTD

LACOSAM SYP is an anticonvulsant medicine manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., primarily used to manage seizures.

• Name

  • Brand Name: LACOSAM SYP
  • Common Name: Lacosamide (active ingredient)

• Composition

  • LACOSAM SYP contains Lacosamide at a concentration of 15 mg/ml.

• Uses LACOSAM SYP is prescribed to control and prevent epilepsy (seizures) by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

  • Partial-Onset Seizures: It is used in adults and children aged 1 month and older to treat seizures that begin in one part of the brain and may or may not spread.
  • Generalised Tonic-Clonic Seizures: It is also used with other antiepileptic medicines in patients aged 4 years and older to treat generalized tonic-clonic seizures, which involve loss of consciousness and muscle stiffening/jerking.
  • It can be used alone (monotherapy) or with other antiepileptic drugs (adjunctive therapy).

• Dosage and Administration

  • Always take LACOSAM SYP as directed by your physician.
  • Shake the bottle well before use.
  • It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.
  • The dosage, which may be expressed in volume (ml), depends on factors such as age, body weight, seizure type, and response to treatment. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may increase seizure frequency.
  • For children weighing less than 50 kg, the starting dose can be 1 mg (0.1 ml) per kg of body weight, twice a day, gradually increasing weekly.

• Side Effects

  • Common Side Effects: Nausea, headache, dizziness, sleepiness/drowsiness, vomiting, double vision (diplopia), blurred vision, fatigue, dryness in mouth, muscle spasm, coordination problems, and unsteady walking.
  • Serious Side Effects: Include cardiac rhythm problems (e.g., PR prolongation, AV block, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachyarrhythmia), allergic reactions (e.g., rash, hives, swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing), suicidal thoughts or behavior, and liver problems. Consult your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.

• Precautions

  • Inform your doctor if you have allergies to Lacosamide or any of its components.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. LACOSAM SYP is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, and may be unsafe during breastfeeding.
  • Heart Conditions: Use with caution in patients with heart problems such as second or third-degree AV block, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, heart failure, or a history of heart attack, as it can affect heart rhythm and conduction.
  • Liver and Kidney Issues: Caution is advised for patients with liver or kidney disease; dosage adjustments may be necessary.
  • Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness.
  • Driving and Machinery: LACOSAM SYP can cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, and coordination problems. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
  • Suicidal Thoughts: Inform your doctor if you experience any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts.
  • Drug Interactions: Caution is recommended with other antiepileptic medicines, drugs known to prolong PR interval (e.g., carbamazepine, lamotrigine), strong inhibitors of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole), and oral contraceptives.
  • LACOSAM SYP contains aspartame, which forms phenylalanine, so caution is advised for patients with phenylketonuria (PKU).

• Storage

  • Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep out of reach and sight of children.
  • Maintain storage temperatures between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

Here are frequently asked questions about LACOSAM SYP by TORRENT PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, along with concise answers:

What is LACOSAM SYP used for?

LACOSAM SYP, containing Lacosamide, is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat epilepsy. It is prescribed for partial-onset seizures in adults and children aged one month and older, and for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children aged four years and older. It can be used alone (as monotherapy) or in combination with other antiepileptic medicines (as adjunctive therapy).

How does LACOSAM SYP work?

Lacosamide, the active ingredient in LACOSAM SYP, works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It achieves this by selectively enhancing the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels, which stabilizes hyperexcitable neuronal membranes and reduces repetitive firing of nerve cells that cause seizures.

What is the usual dosage of LACOSAM SYP?

The dosage of LACOSAM SYP varies based on the patient's age, body weight, and whether it's used as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy. It is typically taken twice a day, usually in the morning and evening, with or without food. A healthcare provider will determine the appropriate starting dose and gradually increase it until an effective maintenance dose is reached. It's crucial to use a measuring cup or oral syringe for accurate dosing.

What are the possible side effects of LACOSAM SYP?

Common side effects include headache, nausea, sleepiness, dizziness, vomiting, blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), dryness in the mouth, and muscle spasms. More serious, though less common, side effects can include changes in mood or behavior, suicidal thoughts, and heart problems such as a slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat. Consult your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.

Is LACOSAM SYP safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: LACOSAM SYP is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly considered necessary by a doctor, who will assess the benefits against potential risks. While some preliminary data suggest a relatively favorable safety profile, more comprehensive evidence is still needed. Breastfeeding: It is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited information indicates low levels of lacosamide in breast milk, and while many breastfed infants have shown no adverse effects, some reports have noted sleepiness and poor feeding. If used, close monitoring of the infant for drowsiness and adequate weight gain is advised.

Can LACOSAM SYP be taken with other medications?

LACOSAM SYP can be used with other antiepileptic drugs. However, caution is advised with medications that affect heart rhythm (e.g., antiarrhythmics, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers), as well as certain other antiepileptic drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin). Strong inhibitors of CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 enzymes (such as fluconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir, or clarithromycin) can increase lacosamide levels. It's also recommended to avoid alcohol and St. John's wort due to potential interactions and increased side effects.

What precautions should be taken while using LACOSAM SYP?

Do not stop taking LACOSAM SYP suddenly, as this can increase seizure frequency. Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication, as it may cause excessive sleepiness or dizziness. Monitor your mood and behavior, and report any unusual changes or suicidal thoughts to your doctor. Use with caution if you have pre-existing heart, kidney, or liver problems. Since it may cause dizziness or blurred vision, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medicine affects you. Always inform your doctor about all other medications, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products.

What happens if a dose of LACOSAM SYP is missed?

If you miss a dose of LACOSAM SYP within 6 hours of the scheduled time, take it as soon as you remember. If more than 6 hours have passed since the scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at your regularly scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

How should LACOSAM SYP be stored?

LACOSAM SYP should be stored below 30°C, in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach and sight of children.