Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor , to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

For patients taking the oral liquid form of this medicine:

• Shake the bottle well before measuring the dose.
• Use a specially marked measuring spoon, a plastic syringe, or a small marked measuring cup to measure each dose accurately. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

To lessen stomach upset, felbamate may be taken with food, unless your doctor has told you to take it on an empty stomach.

Dosing—The dose of felbamate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of felbamate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets or teaspoonfuls of suspension that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

• For oral dosage forms (suspension or tablets):
  • For epilepsy:
    • Adults and teenagers 14 years of age and older—At first, usually 1200 milligrams (mg) a day, divided into three or four smaller doses. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually over several weeks if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 3600 mg a day.
    • Children 2 to 14 years of age—At first, usually 15 mg per kilogram (kg) [6.8 mg per pound] of body weight per day, divided into smaller doses that are given three or four times during the day. Your doctor may increase the dose gradually over a few weeks if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 45 mg per kg [20.5 mg per pound] or 3600 mg per day, whichever is less.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct sunlight.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.