Primidone 250 mg (per tab) (Manufacturer may vary)

Primidone is a medication used to treat seizures in dogs. It is sometimes recommended for pets who are not responding well to phenobarbital. Primidone is converted to phenobarbital and PEMA, also known as phenylethylmalonamide. Some veterinarians believe that PEMA may help to treat seizures better than phenobarbital alone.

Key Features

• Controls severity and frequency of seizures associated with epilepsy
• Reduces seizures associated with various infections such as viral encephalitis and distemper
• Can be used for long term treatment
• for use primarily in Dogs

How It Works

When Primidone is ingested, it's converted to phenobarbital which is an anticonvulsant. It works by decreasing nerve impulses in the nervous system, which helps to reduce seizures

Indications

Primidone tablets, used alone or concomitantly with other anticonvulsants, are indicated in the control ofgrand mal, psychomotor, and focal epileptic seizures. It may control grand mal seizures refractory toother anticonvulsant therapy.

• Primidone is a prescription medication used to control seizures and epilepsy in dogs. It is believed that Primidone alters the chemical impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
• Primidone should not be given to cats.
• Primidone may cause drowsiness and dizziness.

Tip: Do not stop giving this medication. It is important to continue giving Primidone to prevent seizures from recurring.

Cautions:

Primidone should not be used in pregnant or nursing animals. Other drugs, as well as vitamins and supplements, may have an adverse interaction with Primidone, so disclose to your veterinarian what other products you are giving to your pet. Primidone may cause drowsiness, dizziness, hives, swelling or other side effects. Contact your vet at the onset of any of abnormal physical or behavioral change in your pet. It is very important not to miss giving your pet a dose, as this can cause a seizure.

Possible Side Effects:

If your pet develops any of the following serious side effects, stop giving primidone and seek emergency veterinary medical attention an allergic reaction difficulty breathing, closing of the throat, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or hives a rash worsening of seizures fever. Other less serious side effects may occur. Continue to give primidone and talk to your veterinarian if your pet experiences dizziness, poor coordination, or drowsiness blurred vision irregular back and forth movements of the eyes or nausea and vomiting. Side effects other than those listed in this guide may also occur. Talk to your veterinarian about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome to your pet.

Possible Drug Interactions:

Acetazolamide Diamox, carbamazepine Tegretol, ethosuximide Zarontin, and methsuximide Celontin may decrease the effects of primidone and require a higher primidone dose. Phenytoin Dilantin, ethotoin Peganone, mephenytoin Mesantoin, and isoniazid may increase the effects of primidone and require a lower primidone dose. Carbamezepine Tegretol blood levels may increase when given with primidone. The carbamazepine dose may need to be adjusted lower. CNS depressants, valproic acid and chloramphenicol may increase the effect of primidone. Primidone may decrease the effect of coumadin, corticosteroids such as prednisone, beta blockers such as atenolol, theophylline and metronidazole. Use with caution when giving primidone with furosemide, griseofulvin or rifampin.

Contraindications:

Primidone is contraindicated in: 1) patients with porphyria and 2) patients who are hypersensitive to phenobarbital (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY).

Warnings:

The abrupt withdrawal of antiepileptic medication may precipitate status epilepticus. The therapeuticefficacy of a dosage regimen takes several weeks before it can be assessed.

Precautions:

Use with extreme caution in dogs suffering from conditions like dehydration, anemia, Addison's disease, heart, kidney or respiratory diseases.

Storage:

Store this medicine at room temperature in a dry, cool place. Keep this medicine away from heat and direct sunlight.