Rufinamide is used to control seizures (fits) associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which is a severe form of epilepsy where you may have repeated seizures of various types. Learn how to use the medication, side effects, special precautions, and more. 

What is this medication for?

Rufinamide is used to control seizures (fits) associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which is a severe form of epilepsy where you may have repeated seizures of various types.

How should I take/use this medication?

• Follow the instructions on your medication label and take the medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• Take this medication with or after food.
• Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. If you are unable to swallow the tablet, you may crush it and add it to a small amount of food (such as yoghurt, ice-cream, syrup) or water.

You may not experience any benefits immediately after starting the medication as it may take up to a few weeks before this medication can exert its full effects. You should continue to take your medication regularly as instructed by your doctor even if you feel well. Stopping your medication without informing your healthcare professional may cause your condition to worsen quickly.

Do not stop taking or adjust the dose of this medication without consulting your healthcare professional.

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

​If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding 
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
• You have congenital short QT syndrome or a family history of such a syndrome (abnormal heart rhythm)
• You have any liver problems

Consult your healthcare professional immediately if your seizures worsen or become different after you start on this medication.

IMPORTANT:

In rare cases, this medication may cause the following changes to a person's mental condition, especially in the first few weeks of treatment or during dose changes:

• Worsening agitation, feeling restless, violent behaviour, or
• New or worsening thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life
• Other changes in mood or behaviour

Please inform your doctor as soon as possible, or for your family or caregiver to inform your doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own. Do not stop taking this medication on your own without discussing with your doctor.

It is important to note that your doctor has prescribed this medication as he/ she feels you will benefit more from taking this medication over the possible side effects that it may cause, which have a low chance of occurring. Most people take this medication without any such problems.

What are some common side-effects of this medication?

Like all medicines, this medication may cause some possible side effects but not everyone experiences them. Consult your healthcare professional if any of the side effects lasts more than a few days or become severe and bothersome.

The common side effects of include:

• Dizziness
  • Get up slowly from sitting or lying down position
• Drowsiness or double vision or blurred vision
  • Avoid driving or engaging in activities that requires concentration
• Headache
  • Take paracetamol if needed to relieve headache
• Nausea, vomiting
  • Take the medication with or after food to reduce nausea and vomiting
  • Avoid food that is too rich, spicy or has strong smells
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
  • Drink more water, eat more high-fiber foods and exercise regularly
• Flu-like symptoms

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If the following serious side effects happen, you should consult your healthcare professional immediately:

• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
  • SJS and TEN are rare but serious skin reactions. Symptoms include face swelling, blisters on skin, skin rashes that spread within hours to days. It usually occurs within the first few months (monitor closely for the first 3 months) of treatment. 
  • It usually occurs within the first few months (monitor closely for the first 3 months) of treatment.
  • As SJS and TEN progress rapidly, please consult your healthcare professional if you show the first sign of a rash.
• Fever, chills, sore throat, mouth ulcers or sores
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Chest pain or a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat
• Changes in how much and how often you urinate
• Liver problems: Dark coloured urine or light-coloured stools, yellowing of your eyes or skin, severe loss of appetite, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting that does not go away
• Blurred vision or double vision
• Feeling clumsy, unsteady movements

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?

​Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication as it can cause excessive drowsiness.

Some medications may affect how the medication works or be affected by the medication. Inform your doctor/pharmacist if you are taking or intend to take any other medication, supplements, traditional medications or herbal remedies.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children. 

How should I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin. 

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on April 2024