Vimpat (lacosamide Tablet and Injection) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 10, 2012

Vimpat

Seizures Symptoms and Types »

Generalized seizures

There are six types of generalized seizures. The most common and dramatic, and therefore the most well known, is the generalized convulsion, also called the grand-mal seizure. In this type of seizure, the patient loses consciousness and usually collapses. The loss of consciousness is followed by generalized body stiffening (called the "tonic" phase of the seizure) for 30 to 60 seconds, then by violent jerking (the "clonic" phase) for 30 to 60 seconds, after which the patient goes into a deep sleep (the "postictal" or after-seizure phase). During grand-mal seizures, injuries and accidents may occur, such as tongue biting and urinary incontinence.

Absence seizures cause a short loss of consciousness (just a few seconds) with few or no symptoms. The patient, most often a child, typically interrupts an activity and stares blankly. These seizures begin and end abruptly and may occur several times a day. Patients are usu...

Read the Seizures Symptoms and Types article »

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Vimpat

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VIMPAT®
(lacosamide) Tablet, Film Coated for Oral use

VIMPAT®
(lacosamide) Injection for Intravenous use

DRUG DESCRIPTION

The chemical name of lacosamide, the single (R)-enantiomer, is (R)-2-acetamido-N-benzyl-3methoxypropionamide (IUPAC). Lacosamide is a functionalized amino acid. Its molecular formula is C₁₃H₁₈N₂O₃ and its molecular weight is 250.30. The chemical structure is:

VIMPAT® (lacosamide) Structural Formula Illustration

Lacosamide is a white to light yellow powder. It is sparingly soluble in water and slightly soluble in acetonitrile and ethanol.

VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) Tablets

VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) tablets contain the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, lecithin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, and dye pigments as specified below:

VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) tablets are supplied as debossed tablets and contain the following coloring agents:

50 mg tablets: red iron oxide, black iron oxide, FD&C Blue #2/indigo carmine aluminum lake
100 mg tablets: yellow iron oxide
150 mg tablets: yellow iron oxide, red iron oxide, black iron oxide
200 mg tablets: FD&C Blue #2/indigo carmine aluminum lake

VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) Injection

VIMPAT injection is a clear, colorless, sterile solution containing 10 mg lacosamide per mL for intravenous infusion. One 20-mL vial contains 200 mg of lacosamide drug substance. The inactive ingredients are sodium chloride and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid is used for pH adjustment. VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) injection has a pH of 3.5 to 5.0.

What are the possible side effects of lacosamide (Vimpat)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic, or if you feel hyperactive, talkative, restless, agitated, aggressive, angry, impulsive, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using lacosamide and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

...

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What are the precautions when taking lacosamide tablet and injection (Vimpat)?

Before taking lacosamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as chest pain, sick sinus syndrome, heart failure, AV block), liver problems, kidney problems (including dialysis treatment), mental/mood problems (such as depression, psychosis).

This drug may make you dizzy/drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.