Banzel (rufinamide)

Description

Banzel (rufinamide) is prescribed as an add-on treatment for seizures in adults and pediatric patients who are one year of age or older with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS).

Banzel comes in 200 mg and 400 mg film-coated oral tablets as well as a 40 mg/mL oral suspension.

Directions

Take Banzel as your doctor has instructed. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.

Weight determines each pediatric patient’s Banzel dose.

The recommended starting dose in adults is 400 mg to 800 mg by mouth daily in two equally divided doses. The dose may be increased by the doctor as needed, up to 3,200 mg a day, taken in two divided doses.

Ingredients

Rufinamide is the active ingredient in Banzel. Colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, crosscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium lauryl sulphate are the inactive ingredients. The film coating of each tablet is composed of hypromellose, iron oxide red, polyethylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

Microcrystalline cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose sodium, hydroxyethylcellulose, anhydrous citric acid, simethicone emulsion 30%, poloxamer 188, methylparaben, propylparaben, propylene glycol, potassium sorbate, noncrystallizing sorbitol solution 70%, and an orange flavor are the inactive ingredients in the oral suspension formulation.

Contraindications

Banzel should be avoided in patients with Familial Short QT syndrome.

Cautions

• Before you start taking Banzel, discuss the following with your doctor:
• All the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications.
• Your allergies.
• Your current health problems and past medical history.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• The risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors is increased with Banzel use; therefore, patients should be monitored for worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or unusual mood or behavioral changes.
• Banzel can make patients feel sleepy, fatigued, or dizzy. Patients may also experience walking problems and poor muscle control while being treated with Banzel.
• Banzel can shorten the QT interval, and the risk is increased when taken with other medications that can shorten the QT interval. Caution should be used.
• Banzel treatment can lead to multiorgan hypersensitivity. Fever, rash, lymphadenopathy, and/or facial swelling are signs and symptoms. Patients may also experience liver or kidney inflammation, blood conditions, inflamed heart muscle, and weak, painful, or achy muscles. Seek emergency care immediately if you develop any of these effects.
• Banzel should be stopped gradually in order to decrease the risk of seizures.

Side Effects

Headache, dizziness, fatigue, drowsiness, and nausea are common Banzel medication side effects; however, these are not the only side effects that may develop. Call your doctor immediately if you experience side effects that bother you or won’t go away.

Reference:

Banzel (rufinamide). Nutley, NJ: Eisai Inc.; 2021.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....