Rufinamide information sheet

Rufinamide must be prescribed by a doctor. You should never give your child anyone else’s medications. Many anticonvulsant medications interact with Rufinamide and your doctor will need to review your anticonvulsants when Rufinamide is used.  

This is also important if you are giving your child herbal or complementary medicines. The doctor can check to make sure they are compatible.

Monitoring and levels

Your doctor may perform an ECG before commencing Rufinamide as it has been found to make certain heart conditions worse. 

• If your child vomits within 30 minutes after having their dose, then repeat the dose.
• If it is longer than 30 minutes since having the dose you do not need to repeat the dose, but if vomiting or diarrhoea continues, seek medical help.

• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered.
• The next due dose should be taken at the usual time.
• However, if the missed dose is remembered in close proximity to the next due dose (i.e. within 3 to 4 hours of the next dose), please seek medical advice.
• If unsure about what to do, the treating GP, epilepsy nurse, paediatrician or neurologist should be contacted.

• Keep in original container
• Keep in a cool dry place below 30°C
• Keep out of reach of children

Sourced from NPS MedicineWise

Below are some of the possible side effects your child may experience:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Sleepiness
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Nosebleeds

Hypersensitivity Reaction 

This is a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction to Rufinamide that has been reported in a small number of children. The symptoms described are:

• Fever
• Rash
• Blood in the urine
• Swelling of the glands around the neck, under the arms or in the groin

If your child develops any of these symptoms after starting Rufinamide, you should contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department. The medication may need to be stopped immediately under medical supervision.

Pregnancy and contraception

There is very limited data on the safety of Rufinamide during pregnancy at the present time.

It is important that pregnancies are planned and that all medications including Rufinamide are discussed with your doctor before pregnancy. Any effects that Rufinamide may have on the foetus should be discussed with your doctor.

Rufinamide may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives such as the oral contraceptive pill and should be discussed with your treating doctor.  For further information, refer to the reproductive health section.

The information provided in this resource is limited and does not replace the need for a medical consultation. It is very important you speak to your doctor about all aspects of your medication including side effects when medication is first prescribed. Report any concerns to your doctor promptly.