Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Primidone as follows:
- Primidone should be administered with extreme caution in individuals with history of respiratory disorders, such as, asthma and COPD. Individuals with history of severe respiratory disorders can be at a very high risk to present with depression of respiratory center with the medication. Low oxygen levels in the body with elevated carbon-di-oxide levels can contribute to altered levels of consciousness, sedation, slow & shallow breathing, severely compromised endurance and exercise tolerance, extreme fatigue, and development of seizures.
- The active metabolites of primidone have significant pharmacological actions as the parent compound primidone. These metabolites along with the unmetabolized portion of primidone are mainly excreted in the urine. Individuals with renal disease cannot excrete them normally, which allows them to stay in blood circulation for longer time, resulting in toxicity and consequent side-effects. So, primidone could be avoided in individuals with compromised renal function and an alternative medication considered or used with caution, with possible multiple dose adjustments, periodical monitoring for renal functions, and close watch for development of any dangerous side-effects and toxicity symptoms with the medication.
