Felbamate
Also known as: Felbatol, Taloxa, Felbamyl
* **Strict Schedule**: It is critical to give this medication exactly as prescribed, usually **every 8 hours (three times a day)**. Because it leaves the body quickly, missing doses can lead to breakthrough seizures. * **Side Effects**: Watch for signs of dry eye (squinting, thick eye discharge), tremors, restlessness, or vomiting. Contact your veterinarian if you notice these signs. * **Blood Tests**: Your veterinarian may recommend periodic blood tests to monitor liver function and blood cell counts, especially if your dog is taking other seizure medications. * **Do Not Stop Abruptly**: Never stop seizure medications suddenly without consulting your veterinarian, as this can trigger severe, life-threatening seizures.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Seizures (As either add-on therapy or monotherapy)
- Seizures (As a third choice antiepileptic agent)
- Seizures (For patients on phenobarb and bromides and seizure activity unchanged or having intolerable side effects)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS)
- Liver enzyme induction
- Tremor
- Limb rigidity
- Salivation
- Restlessness and agitation (at high doses)
- Blood dyscrasias (thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, leukopenia)
- Sedation (usually when combined with other anticonvulsants)
- Vomiting/nausea (usually when combined with other anticonvulsants)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to felbamate or other carbamates (e.g., meprobamate)
- > **Warning**: May cause liver enzyme induction. Half-life may decrease over time, requiring dose adjustments. * Use with caution in patients with pre-existing **hepatic dysfunction** or a history of **blood dyscrasias**. * **Pregnancy Category C**: Use only if potential benefits outweigh risks. Excreted in maternal milk, but adverse consequences to nursing puppies appear remote.
Drug interactions
- Phenobarbital: Felbamate may increase phenobarbital levels. Phenobarbital may decrease felbamate levels.
- Phenytoin: Felbamate may increase phenytoin levels. Phenytoin may decrease felbamate levels.
- Valproate: Felbamate can cause increases in valproic acid levels.
Frequently asked questions
What is Felbamate used for in pets?
* **Strict Schedule**: It is critical to give this medication exactly as prescribed, usually **every 8 hours (three times a day)**. Because it leaves the body quickly, missing doses can lead to breakthrough seizures. * **Side Effects**: Watch for signs of dry eye (squinting, thick eye discharge), tremors, restlessness, or vomiting. Contact your veterinarian if you notice these signs. * **Blood Tests**: Your veterinarian may recommend periodic blood tests to monitor liver function and blood cell counts, especially if your dog is taking other seizure medications. * **Do Not Stop Abruptly**: Never stop seizure medications suddenly without consulting your veterinarian, as this can trigger severe, life-threatening seizures.
Is Felbamate safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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