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PRIM-ih-doan or PRY-meh-doan - Pronunciation guide
Brand Names
- Neurosyn™ Tablets
- PrimiTabs
Description
Primidone is a medication used in the management of grand mal, psychomotor, and focal seizures in horses and foals. Primidone is also used in horses with seizures induced by toxins or adverse drug effects.
In the body, primidone is converted into other chemicals, including phenobarbital, a type of barbiturate that can help control seizures by acting as an anticonvulsant. Primidone works by decreasing the excitability of the brain cells, thereby helping to prevent abnormal electrical activity from starting and helps keep such activity from spreading to other parts of the brain.
Primidone is less preferred than direct use of phenobarbital because most of its anticonvulsant activity is due to its metabolism of phenobarbital. It requires administration three times a day and it can be toxic to the liver.
One of the main advantages of primidone, unlike phenobarbital, is that it is not a controlled substance with special rules for prescribing and dispensing.
Usage
Primidone is used in the management of grand mal, psychomotor, and focal seizures, and sometimes to treat tremors.
Dosage and Administration
| Method | Amount | Dosage | Period | Duration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 25 | mg/lb | Daily | As prescribed | Tablets may be administered whole, or crushed and mixed with food. When convulsions are frequent, the dosage should be divided and administered at intervals. When convulsions occur only every few days, or less often, daily dosage should be given at one time.10 Reduction in dosage should always be made gradually and should never be discontinued abruptly. |
Side Effects
Primidone may cause drowsiness and lethargy in horses
Precautions
Careful monitoring of liver functions to prevent hepatotoxicity may be necessary.
Interactions
No literature detailing interactions is available.
Overdose
In case of overdose, an activated charcoal slurry introduced through a stomach tube will help rid the system of the drug.
Images
Literature
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Neurosyn Tablets
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. -
Primitabs
Butler Schien™ Animal Health
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