Lameptil
Generic Name
Lamotrigine
Manufacturer
Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Country
Bangladesh
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Price Details
Current market pricing information
| Variant | Unit Price | Strip Price |
|---|---|---|
| lameptil 25 mg tablet | ৳ 12.00 | ৳ 120.00 |
Description
Overview of the medicine
Lamotrigine is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain, reducing the frequency of seizures and helping to manage mood swings.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Initial dosage typically 25 mg daily or every other day, gradually titrated up over several weeks to a target maintenance dose (e.g., 100-400 mg/day depending on indication and concomitant medications).
Elderly
Similar to adult dosage, but individual response and renal/hepatic function should be monitored.
Renal_impairment
Dosage reduction may be necessary in severe renal impairment, with careful monitoring.
How to Take
Take orally with or without food. Swallow tablets whole. Do not chew or crush unless they are chewable/dispersible tablets. Follow your doctor's titration schedule carefully.
Mechanism of Action
Lamotrigine is thought to act by blocking voltage-sensitive sodium channels, thereby stabilizing neuronal membranes and inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters (primarily glutamate and aspartate).
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Slow titration required; therapeutic effects may take several weeks.
Excretion
Mainly renal excretion of metabolites and unchanged drug.
Half life
Approximately 29 hours (range 14-103 hours), significantly affected by concomitant medications (e.g., enzyme inducers/inhibitors).
Absorption
Rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration. Bioavailability is about 98%.
Metabolism
Primarily hepatic glucuronidation (UGT enzymes).
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to lamotrigine or any components of the formulation.
- Previous history of severe skin rash or Stevens-Johnson syndrome with lamotrigine.
Drug Interactions
Valproate
Increases lamotrigine levels by inhibiting its metabolism, necessitating a reduced lamotrigine dosage.
Oral Contraceptives
Can decrease lamotrigine levels, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Primidone
Decrease lamotrigine levels by inducing its metabolism, necessitating an increased lamotrigine dosage.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include nystagmus, ataxia, impaired consciousness, seizures (including generalized tonic-clonic seizures), coma. **Management:** Supportive care, gastric lavage if recent ingestion, activated charcoal. No specific antidote.
Pregnancy & Lactation
**Pregnancy:** Use during pregnancy should be carefully considered, weighing potential risks and benefits. Small increased risk of oral clefts reported in some studies, but data is complex. **Lactation:** Lamotrigine is excreted into breast milk. Monitor breastfed infants for side effects such as rash, drowsiness, or poor feeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years from manufacturing date.
Availability
Pharmacies, hospitals
Approval Status
Approved by major regulatory bodies (e.g., FDA, EMA)
Patent Status
Generic available
WHO Essential Medicine
YesClinical Trials
Extensively studied in clinical trials for epilepsy and bipolar disorder, demonstrating efficacy and safety profiles. Ongoing post-marketing surveillance and new trials for specific populations or formulations.
Lab Monitoring
- No routine therapeutic drug monitoring is required, but plasma levels may be useful in specific situations (e.g., suspected non-compliance, toxicity).
- Monitor for signs of hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy.
Doctor Notes
- Emphasize slow titration to minimize rash risk, especially when co-administered with valproate.
- Educate patients on recognizing and immediately reporting signs of severe rash or hypersensitivity.
- Monitor for mood changes, emergence or worsening of depression, and/or suicidality.
Patient Guidelines
- Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly, as it can worsen your condition or cause withdrawal seizures. Consult your doctor for tapering.
- Report any rash or signs of hypersensitivity (e.g., fever, swollen lymph nodes) immediately to your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter drugs.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.
Driving Precautions
May cause dizziness, somnolence, or blurred vision. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, as it can worsen side effects like dizziness and somnolence.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule to support mood stability (for bipolar disorder).
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.