Lamotrigine (Antiepileptic/Bipolar Agent)

Question 1

What are the brand names of lamotrigine?

Answer 1

Lamictal (XR, ODT, CD)

Question 2

What strength chewable tablets are available of Lamictal?

Answer 2

2 mg, 5 mg, and 25 mg

Question 3

What strength oral tablets are available of Lamotrigine?

Answer 3

25 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg

Question 4

What strength ODT tablets are available of Lamictal?

Answer 4

25 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg

Question 5

What strength extended release tablets are available Lamotrigine?

Answer 5

25 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg

Question 6

What is the main FDA indication of Lamictal?

Answer 6

Use as an adjunct of therapy and pediatric and adult patients with partial seizures or generalized seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and primary generalized tonic clonic seizures

Dose: 25-200mg once daily

Question 7

What are the other indications and dosages of Lamictal?

Answer 7

Check your truck cards.

Question 8

What should the providers monitor in a patient using Lamotrigine?

Answer 8

Complete blood count

Question 9

What are the drug interactions of lamotrigine?

Answer 9

• Enzyme inducing antiepileptic drugs (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital) as well as rifampicin increase metabolism and decrease the plasma concentration of lamotrigine.
• Valproic acid increases plasma concentration while lamotrigine decreases the plasma concentration of valproic acid.
• Lamotrigine is a potent inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase therefore use caution when using other drugs that inhibit for late metabolism.
• Use with oral contraceptives may decrease the serum concentration of the protest in compound it was significantly decreasing the serum concentration of lamotrigine.

Question 10

What are the contraindications of lamotrigine?

Answer 10

• Serious life-threatening rashes have been reported in association with the use of lamotrigine. Rashes usually occur within the first two weeks of therapy and are more common in pediatric patients and patients taking valproic acid.
• Serious hypersensitivity reactions have also occurred and patience to properly report any fever or lymphadenopathy to a physician.
• Lamotrigine is known to bind to melanin containing tissues and may cause toxicity with long-term use therefore, periodic ophthalmology test should be performed.
• Do not use a nursing mothers.
• Pregnancy Category C

Question 11

What are the adverse effects of lamotrigine?

Answer 11

Dizziness, ataxia, somnolence, headache, diplopia, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, and rash

Question 12

What should the RPh tell the patient when counseling them for lamotrigine?

Answer 12

• Patient should probably report any signs of hypersensitivity or rash to a position.
• Do not increase or change dosage without specific instructions from a physician.
• May cause drowsiness. Use caution while operating machinery or mental alertness is required.
• Patient should inform their physician if they become pregnant, and tend to become pregnant, or intend to breast-feed an infant during therapy.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible but do not double the dose.
• Chewable tablets may be chewed or disbursed in a teaspoon full of water or diluted fruit juice