Encorate Chrono 600 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

ENCORATE CHRONO 600 MG TABLET

Name:

• Brand Name: Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet
• Common Name: Sodium Valproate and Valproic Acid (Controlled Release)

Composition: Each film-coated controlled-release tablet contains Sodium Valproate (400 mg) and Valproic Acid (174 mg), combining to a total of 600 mg. This formulation is designed to provide sustained release and more even plasma concentrations throughout the day.

Uses: Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet is an antiepileptic medicine used for the treatment of various forms of epilepsy, including generalized, partial, simple, and complex absence seizures. It is also prescribed for:

• Manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder
• Migraine prophylaxis (prevention of migraine headaches)

Dosage and Administration: This medicine should be taken orally as directed by a doctor. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or broken. It can be taken with or without food, though taking it with food may help improve absorption and reduce stomach upset. Initial adult dosage typically starts at 600 mg daily, increasing by 200 mg at three-day intervals until control is achieved, usually within a range of 1000-2000 mg per day.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include:

• Nausea or vomiting, stomach pain
• Headache, dizziness, sleepiness, tiredness
• Tremors (shakiness in hands and feet)
• Weight gain, hair loss (alopecia)
• Diarrhea, blurred vision

Serious side effects are rare but may include liver injury, pancreatitis, mood swings, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

Precautions:

• Pregnancy: Encorate Chrono is generally unsafe during pregnancy and may cause serious harm or congenital disabilities to the baby. It should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the risks and under strict specialist supervision.
• Liver Disease: Avoid use in severe or active liver disease, and caution is advised in patients with existing liver problems. Liver function should be monitored regularly.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it can worsen side effects like dizziness and sleepiness.
• Driving: This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so driving or operating machinery should be avoided until you know how it affects you.
• Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to increased seizures or worsening of bipolar disorder.
• Regular blood tests may be needed to monitor the response to the medicine.

Storage: Keep Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet away from the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (below 30°C).

Here are the frequently asked questions about ENCORATE CHRONO 600 MG TABLET:

What is Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet used for?

Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet is primarily used to treat various forms of epilepsy (seizures or fits). Additionally, it is prescribed for managing manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder and for preventing migraine headaches.

How does Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet work?

This medicine contains a combination of sodium valproate and valproic acid. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemical messengers, such as Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), in the brain. This action helps to regulate the brain's electrical activity, decreasing abnormal nerve activity and providing a calming effect, thereby controlling seizures and stabilizing mood.

What is the usual dosage for Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet?

The dosage of Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet is determined by your doctor based on your age, body weight, and medical condition. For adults, treatment usually starts at 600 mg daily, increasing by 200 mg every three days until seizures are controlled, typically within a daily range of 1000-2000 mg (20-30 mg/kg/day). Doses can be increased up to 2500 mg per day if necessary. It can be taken once or twice daily, and it should be consumed with or after food.

What are the possible side effects of Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet?

Common side effects may include headache, tremors of hands and feet, abnormal eye movement, dizziness, memory impairment, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, dry mouth, tiredness, sleepiness, weight gain, loss of appetite, and hair loss. More serious but less common side effects can include liver injury/damage, pancreatitis, and changes in mood or suicidal thoughts. If any side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Is Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy or if you are planning to become pregnant, as it carries a significant risk of causing serious harm and congenital disabilities to the baby. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, discontinue treatment immediately and consult your doctor. For breastfeeding mothers, small quantities of the medicine can pass into breast milk and may affect the baby. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for advice.

Can Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet be taken with other medications?

Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet can interact with various other medications, potentially altering their effects or increasing the risk of side effects. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements you are taking. Notable interactions include other anti-epileptic drugs (like phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine), certain antibiotics (e.g., carbapenems), antidepressants, antipsychotics, blood thinners (like warfarin), aspirin, and hormonal contraceptives, which may have reduced effectiveness.

What precautions should be taken while taking Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet?

Do not stop taking Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can worsen your condition or trigger seizures. Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can increase side effects, drowsiness, and potentially cause liver damage. This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver problems (or a family history), pancreatitis, kidney issues, porphyria, certain metabolic disorders, or if you experience any changes in mood or suicidal thoughts. Regular blood tests may be required to monitor the medication's levels and liver function.

What happens if a dose of Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose, 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, as this can be harmful. Missing doses can aggravate your medical condition and potentially trigger seizures.

How should Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet be stored?

Store Encorate Chrono 600 mg Tablet at room temperature, typically between 20-25°C. Keep it protected from moisture and out of the reach of children.