Stiripentol information sheet
Contact details
Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
Telephone: (02) 7825 2711
Introduction
Stiripentol is an anti-seizure medication used to control seizures associated with Dravet Syndrome. It is used in conjunction with at least 2 other anti-seizure medications.
Medication instructions
How to give Stiripentol
Stiripentol must be prescribed by a doctor. You should never give your child anyone else's medications.
Stiripentol can increase levels of Clobazam and Valproate by interfering with how these medications are processed by the body. Your doctor may reduce the dose of these medications due to expected interactions.
Your doctor will check and make sure that other drugs your child is taking are compatible with Stiripentol. This is also important if you are giving your child herbal or complementary medicines.
Monitoring and medication levels
There is no need to do regular drug level monitoring with Stiripentol. Routine blood counts, liver function tests and other drug levels may be monitored at regular intervals according to your doctor.
What to do if your child vomits
- 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.
What to do if your child misses a dose
- 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.
Medication storage and safety
Storage
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius
- Protect from Light
- Store in Original Container
- Shelf lifetime is 36 Months.
Side effects
Below are some of the possible side effects your child may experience.
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss, especially when administered with sodium valproate
- Drowsiness, fatigue
- Unsteadiness
- Floppiness
- Abnormal tone (dystonia), tremor, additional movements (hyperkinesia)
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Altered behaviour: aggressiveness and irritability
- Low white blood cell count (neutropenia) or raised liver function tests (GGT)
Dangerous side effects:
- Rash
- Photosensitivity
- Hives
Pregnancy and contraception
Stiripentol can potentially cause abnormalities in the baby. If a pregnancy is planned, a discussion with your neurologist is recommended. See more in 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.
Medication scripts
Please ask your child’s doctor at a follow up appointment for another medication script if required.
If this is a regular medicine for your child, the GP should be your first point of call for repeat prescriptions.
Overdose information
In the case of an overdose or poisoning, call the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (24 hour service).