Information

Rivotril's pharmacological profile is similar to other anxiolytic/sedative benzodiazepines. Its basic anticonvulsive properties are also similar to those of other diazepines. Rivotril is capable of suppressing the spike and wave discharge in absence seizures (petit mal) and decreasing the frequency, amplitude, duration and spread of discharge in minor motor seizures.

Rivotril is well absorbed orally with maximum blood concentrations occurring in 1 to 2 hours. Rivotril is metabolized by the liver to inactive metabolites, which are excreted mainly in the urine. Less than 0.5% of a dose is excreted in the urine unchanged and from 9 to 27% of a dose may be excreted in the feces. The half-life of the parent compound varies from approximately 18 to 50 hours.

Warnings

Pregnancy:
Recent reports indicate an association between the use of anticonvulsant drugs and an elevated incidence of birth defects in children born to epileptic women taking such medication during pregnancy. The incidence of congenital malformations in the general population is regarded to be approximately 2%; in children of treated epileptic women this incidence may be increased 2 to 3 fold. The increase is largely due to specific defects, e.g., congenital malformations of the heart, and cleft lip and/or palate. Nevertheless, the great majority of mothers receiving anticonvulsant medications deliver normal infants.

Data are more extensive with respect to phenytoin and phenobarbital, but these drugs are also the most commonly prescribed anticonvulsants. Some reports indicate a possible similar association with the use of other anticonvulsants, including trimethadione and paramethadione. However, the possibility also exists that other factors, e.g., genetic predisposition or the epileptic condition itself may contribute to or may be mainly responsible for the higher incidence of birth defects.

Anticonvulsants should not be discontinued in patients in whom the drug is administered to prevent major seizures, because of the strong possibility of precipitating status epilepticus with attendant hypoxia and risk to both the mother and the unborn child. With regard to drugs given for minor seizures, the risk of discontinuing medication prior to or during pregnancy should be weighed against the risk of congenital defects in the particular case and with the particular family history.

Epileptic women of childbearing age should be encouraged to seek professional counsel and should report the onset of pregnancy promptly to their physician. Where the necessity for continued use of antiepileptic medication is in doubt, appropriate consultation might be indicated.

In a reproductive study in rabbits, Rivotril administration was associated with an increased incidence of cleft palate and other anomalies at 2 dose concentrations. Accordingly, Rivotril should be used in women of childbearing potential only when the expected benefits to the patient warrant the possible risk to a fetus. Keywords: anxiety Rivotril, Rivotril drug, Rivotril picture, Rivotril klonopin, buy Rivotril, Rivotril online, 0.5mg Rivotril, anxiety Rivotril re vs xanax, Rivotril information, buy Rivotril online