Mysoline (Primidone)

Drug Uses

Primidone is used to treat a seizure disorder. This medication may also be used to treat tremors.

How Taken

Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. The liquid form of this medication must be shaken well before measuring each dose. This medication must be taken as prescribed. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without consulting your doctor as seizures may occur. It is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medication in your blood constant.

Take doses at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day and night.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Mysoline (MY-so-leen) is used to treat partial seizures with or without secondary generalization and generalized tonic clonic (grand mal) seizures. It is available in liquid and tablets. Mysoline is metabolized (processed by the body) into phenobarbital and phenoethylmelanamide, both of which have antiepileptic effects. Like phenobarbital, Mysoline is not effective against absence or myoclonic seizures.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered unless it is within 1 hour of your next dose. If so, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight.

Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms.

Warnings/Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially about: liver disease, lung disease, kidney disease, porphyria (a blood disorder), any allergies. Use caution when drinking alcoholic beverages because it may add to the drowsiness effect caused by mysoline. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery because this drug often causes drowsiness. This drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using this drug.

This drug is excreted into breast milk, although its effects on a nursing infant are unknown. Consult your doctor before you breast-feed.

Possible Side Effects

May cause drowsiness or sleepiness. Other side effects include stomach upset, loss of appetite, clumsiness, or fatigue. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.

Notify your doctor if the following effects occur:

• seizures,
• double vision,
• fever,
• sore throat,
• skin rash.

In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not allow anyone else to take this medication. Lab tests may be done, especially in the first few months, to check if the drug is working properly.