Changes

==Side Effects and Contraindications==

==Side Effects and Contraindications==

Since a large proportion of primidone is converted to phenobarbital, most adverse and side affects are the same as for this drug. These may include polyphagia, polyuria and polydipsia, which are usually transient and disappear with time. A sedative effect may also be seen. Additional side effects of primidone are nausea, drowsiness, ataxia, nystagmus and, rarely, dermatitis. In many, megaloblastic anaemia may develop from primidone use, and so the drug should be stored securely out of the reacch of children.

Since a large proportion of primidone is converted to phenobarbital, most adverse effects are the same as for this drug. These may include polyphagia, polyuria and polydipsia, which are usually transient and disappear with time. A sedative effect may also be seen. Additional side effects of primidone are nausea, drowsiness, ataxia, nystagmus and, rarely, dermatitis. In man, megaloblastic anaemia may develop from primidone use, and so the drug should be stored securely out of the reach of children.

Primidone is associated with a higher incidence of hepatotoxicity than phenobarbital: hepatic necrosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis have all been associated with chronic use of primidone. One study reported that up to 14 in 20 dogs develop liver toxicity following primidone administration. It is therefore important that liver enzyme assays and tests of liver function are regularly performed to monitor toxicity when primidone is prescribed to veterinary patients.

Primidone is associated with a higher incidence of hepatotoxicity than phenobarbital: hepatic necrosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis have all been associated with chronic use of primidone. One study reported that up to 14 in 20 dogs develop liver toxicity following primidone administration. It is therefore important that liver enzyme assays and tests of liver function are regularly performed to monitor toxicity when primidone is prescribed to veterinary patients.

Primidone should bot be used in combination with chloramphenicol, as chloramphenicol is a potent inhibioty of microsomal enzymes and so may lead to primidone toxicity. signs include severe central nervous system depression, and inappetance. Primidone has also been reported to cause intrahepatic cholestasis when used in combination with phenytoin.  

Primidone should not be used in combination with chloramphenicol, as chloramphenicol is a potent inhibitor of microsomal enzymes and so may lead to primidone toxicity. Signs include severe central nervous system depression and inappetance. Primidone has also been reported to cause intrahepatic cholestasis when used in combination with phenytoin.  

Manufacturers do not recommed the use of primidone in cats, although studies have suggested that primidone is probably safe in this species.

Manufacturers do not recommed the use of primidone in cats, although studies have suggested that primidone is probably safe in this species.