Generic name: Ethotoin
What is Peganone?
Peganone is a medicine used to treat seizures. It is also known by its brand name, Epanutin. Peganone belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. Anticonvulsants are medications that help prevent or treat seizures. Peganone works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help to prevent seizures.
Peganone is available as an oral suspension, an oral solution, and an extended-release capsule. It is typically taken two or three times daily. The oral suspension and oral solution can be taken with or without food, but the extended-release capsule should be taken with food.
Health Benefits
Peganone is used to treat seizures. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, and convulsions. Peganone helps to prevent seizures by increasing levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help to stabilize electrical activity.
In addition to its use for seizures, Peganone has also been shown to be effective for treating trigeminal neuralgia, a condition characterized by severe pain in the face. Peganone works to relieve pain by reducing the amount of neurotransmitters released by damaged nerve cells.
Side Effects
Peganone may cause side effects. The most common side effects include :
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
Rash
Fatigue
Less common side effects include:
Anemia
Bone marrow suppression
Hepatotoxicity
Kidney damage
Pancreatitis
rare side effects include: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and exfoliative dermatitis. If you experience any of these side effects, please seek medical attention immediately.
Dosage
The usual starting dose of Peganone is 10-15 mg/kg/day divided into 2-3 doses. The target maintenance dose is 20-40 mg/kg/day. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose as needed to control your seizures.
If you miss a dose of Peganone, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular dosing schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses of Peganone at the same time.
Drug Interactions
Peganone may interact with other medications. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Peganone may interact with the following medications:
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Rifampin
Carbamazepine
Valproic acid
Theophylline
These interactions can increase your risk of side effects or make Peganone less effective. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your dose or monitor you more closely for side effects. Do not start or stop any medication without talking to your healthcare provider first.
Mechanism of Action
Peganone works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that help to prevent seizures. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are responsible for transmitting signals between nerve cells. When there is an imbalance of neurotransmitters, it can lead to conditions like seizures. Peganone helps to restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which helps to prevent seizures.
The precise mechanism of action of Peganone is unknown. However, it is thought to work by blocking sodium channels in the brain, which helps to stabilize electrical activity.
Pharmacokinetics
Peganone is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is metabolized in the liver and has a half-life of 12-24 hours. Peganone is excreted in the urine and feces.
Alternatives to Peganone
There are many alternative medications available to treat seizures. Some of these include:
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Carbamazepine
Valproic acid
If you have any questions about alternative medications, please speak with your healthcare provider.
Overdosages
An overdose of Peganone can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose may include:
Loss of consciousness
Muscle spasms
Convulsions
Coma
