Banzel
Banzel Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Banzel is a brand name. Its generic name is Rufinamide.
Introduction
Banzel (INN, or rufinamide) is an anticonvulsant drug used as add-on therapy for certain types of seizures in children and adults. It is manufactured by Novartis under the trade name Banzel.
Uses
Banzel is primarily used as an add-on therapy to treat Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), a severe form of epilepsy in children and adults. Banzel is also used to treat other types of partial seizures in adults.
Mechanism of Action
Banzel works by reducing the amount of sodium that enters brain cells, thus slowing down nerve impulses. Banzel works to decrease seizures by modulating sodium channels, reducing the excitability of neurons, and blocking voltage-dependent calcium channels.
How Long Does It Take To Work?
It takes 4-8 weeks for treatment with rufinamide to take effect, however, some patients may experience relief sooner. Maximum effectiveness may take up to 12 weeks.
Absorption
Banzel is rapidly and completely absorbed in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract after oral administration. It reaches peak levels (the highest amount of drug in the blood) in about 2 to 3 hours.
Route of Elimination
Banzel is eliminated primarily through the kidneys, with about 90% of a single dose being eliminated in the urine. The remainder is eliminated mainly through the feces via biliary excretion.
Dosage
The recommended initial dose for rufinamide is 10 mg/kg/day divided into two doses. The maximum daily dose is 40 mg/kg/day. Dosage should be adjusted slowly and increased by 10 mg/kg/day or less at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. If dietary intake is decreased and/or the patient is vomiting or has diarrhea, the dose should be reduced or discontinue use of the drug.
Administration
Banzel is available as a tablet formulation. It should be taken with food. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, divided, or crushed.
Side Effect
The most common side effects associated with the use of rufinamide include dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, headache, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Less common side effects include fever, rash, depression, confusion, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Toxicity
Banzel is generally considered to be a safe drug but signs of an overdose can include drowsiness, confusion, abnormal behavior, and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Precautions
Patients receiving rufinamide should consult their physician before driving or operating machinery as the drug may cause drowsiness. It should not be taken with alcohol as this can increase the risk of adverse effects and should be used with caution in patients with renal or hepatic (liver) impairment.
Interaction
Banzel may interact with other medications such as anticonvulsants, anti-depressants, blood thinners, antipsychotics, and antidiarrheals. Patients should discuss all medications they are taking with their physician prior to starting rufinamide.
Disease Interaction
Banzel should be used cautiously in patients with a history of depression, kidney or liver impairment, or certain heart or blood disorders. It should not be used in patients with an active infection.
Drug Interaction
Banzel may interact with other drugs and should not be taken with alcohol. Patients should discuss other drugs they are taking with their physician prior to starting rufinamide.
Food Interactions
Banzel should be taken with food. Alcohol should be avoided, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects.
Pregnancy Use
Banzel should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the fetus. Women who are breastfeeding should also not use this drug.
Lactation Use
Banzel should not be used during lactation as it may pass into breast milk and may cause harm to the infant.
Acute Overdose
Signs of an overdose include drowsiness, confusion, abnormal behavior, and difficulty breathing. If these symptoms occur, medical attention should be sought immediately.
Contraindication
Banzel should not be used in patients with an active infection or a history of depression, kidney or liver impairment, or certain heart or blood disorders.
Use Directions
Banzel should be taken with food. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, divided, or crushed. The dosage should be adjusted slowly and increased by 10 mg/kg/day or less at weekly intervals until the desired response is achieved. If dietary intake is decreased and/or the patient is vomiting or has diarrhea, the dose should be reduced or discontinue use of the drug.
Storage Conditions
Banzel should be stored at room temperature, in a dry place, away from light, and out of reach of children and pets.
Volume of Distribution
Banzel is rapidly and completely absorbed in the GI tract after oral administration and has a volume of distribution of between 5.8 and 11.7 L/kg.
Half Life
The half-life of rufinamide is between 9 and 17 hours, depending on the patient.
Clearance
Banzel has a clearance of between 0.073 and 0.136 mL/min/kg.
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