Banzel (rufinamide) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat seizures from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. The drug comes as a tablet or liquid suspension. You swallow either form twice daily.
Banzel is used in certain people to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It’s approved for adults and children ages 1 year and older.
The active ingredient in Banzel is rufinamide. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Banzel belongs to a group of drugs called seizure medications.
This article describes the dosages of Banzel, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Banzel, see this in-depth article.
The table below highlights the basics of Banzel’s dosage. Some doses are in milligrams (mg). Others are in mg per kilogram (mg/kg). For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lb).
| Age | Starting dosage | Dose increase | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year to less than 17 years | 10 mg/kg daily, divided into two doses | 10 mg/kg every 2 days | 45 mg/kg daily, divided into two doses (not to exceed 3,200 mg daily) |
| 17 years and older | 400–800 mg daily, divided into two doses | 400–800 mg every 2 days | 3,200 mg daily, divided into two doses |
Keep reading for more details about Banzel’s dosage.
What are Banzel’s forms?
Banzel comes in two forms: an oral tablet and an oral suspension. A suspension is a type of liquid mixture.
What strengths does Banzel come in?
Banzel comes in the following strengths:
- oral tablet: 200 mg and 400 mg
- oral suspension: 40 mg per milliliter (mg/mL)
What are the usual dosages of Banzel in adults?
Banzel is approved for use in adults ages 17 years and older to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Your doctor likely will start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for seizures
The typical Banzel starting dosage is 400–800 mg daily, which is divided into two doses. Doctors may increase the dose by 400–800 mg every 2 days. The maximum dosage of Banzel in adults is 3,200 mg daily, which is divided into two doses.
What’s the dosage of Banzel for children?
Banzel is approved for use in children ages 1 year to less than 17 years to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Dosage is based on weight in mg/kg. For reference, 1 kg is about 2.2 lb.
The dosage for children is 10 mg/kg daily, which is divided into two doses. Doctors may increase the dose by 10 mg/kg every 2 days.
The maximum dosage of Banzel in children is 45 mg/kg daily, which is divided into two doses. Once calculated based on weight, the maximum dosage should not exceed 3,200 mg daily.
As an example of dosage, assume a child weighs 30 kg, which is about 66 lb. The child’s starting dosage would be 300 mg, which would be divided into two doses.
For more information about Banzel’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.
Is Banzel taken long term?
Yes, Banzel is usually taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage if you undergo dialysis or have liver problems. Also, certain seizure medications may interfere with Banzel and require dosage adjustments. Examples include valproate or similar drugs, including divalproex sodium (Depakote, Depakote ER) and valproic acid.
The dosage of Banzel you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
Banzel is available as an oral tablet and oral suspension. (A suspension is a type of liquid mixture.) You swallow either one as your doctor prescribes. You should take either form of Banzel with food.
If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.
Before taking Banzel oral suspension or giving it to a child, shake the bottle well. Then measure the medication using the dosing syringe provided.
For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Banzel, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print
- use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
Let your pharmacist know if you have difficulty opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Banzel in an easy-open container.
If you miss a dose of Banzel, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. And then take your next dose at its usual time.
If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Banzel on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Banzel than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Banzel
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Banzel. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms were not reported in studies of Banzel. Physical dependence occurs when your body relies on a drug to function as usual. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug on which your body has become dependent.
That said, you may experience withdrawal seizures if you suddenly stop taking Banzel. Symptoms of withdrawal seizures include:
- increased frequency of seizures
- worsening seizures
- status epilepticus, which requires immediate medical attention
Before you end your Banzel treatment, your doctor may lower your dosage slowly over time. They will also replace Banzel with another seizure medication. This can help reduce your risk of withdrawal seizures after you stop treatment.
If you have withdrawal seizures after you’ve stopped taking Banzel, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to ease these symptoms.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Banzel’s dosage.
Is Banzel’s dosage similar to the dosages of Topamax?
The forms and how often you take Banzel and Topamax are similar. Banzel comes in oral tablets and an oral suspension. Topamax (topiramate) comes in oral tablets and sprinkle capsules.*
The dose in milligrams for each drug differs. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* These capsules are swallowed whole. Or their contents are sprinkled onto a teaspoon of soft food and then taken.
How long does it take for Banzel to start working?
Banzel starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working for your condition. After a month or so, you may notice that your seizures are fewer and less severe.
If you have other questions about what to expect from your Banzel treatment, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by Banzel’s drugmaker. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Banzel without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Banzel exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Can I take a dosage higher than 3,200 milligrams (mg) daily?
- Can I cut or crush Banzel tablets?
- If I take other seizure medications, what’s the maximum dosage of Banzel I can take?
To learn more about Banzel, see this “Banzel (rufinamide)” article.
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.