Encorate 500 Tablet

Description

Encorate 500 Tablet is a widely used medication that belongs to a class of drugs called anti-epileptics or anticonvulsants. Its active ingredient is Sodium Valproate 500mg.

Mechanism of Action: Sodium Valproate works by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to slow down brain activity. By increasing GABA levels, Encorate 500 Tablet helps to reduce the abnormal and excessive electrical activity of nerve cells in the brain that trigger seizures. It also affects voltage-gated sodium channels and may have other mechanisms that contribute to its therapeutic effects.

Uses: Encorate 500 Tablet is prescribed for a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including:

• Epilepsy/Seizures: It is used to control various types of seizures, including partial-onset seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, absence seizures, and myoclonic seizures. It helps reduce symptoms like confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety associated with seizures.
• Bipolar Disorder (Mania): It is effective in stabilizing mood and managing manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder. It helps prevent extreme mood swings and can reduce agitation.
• Migraine Prevention: It is used as a prophylactic (preventive) treatment for migraine headaches, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia: In some cases, it may be used to help manage the severe facial pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia.

Dosage and Administration:

• Encorate 500 Tablet is for oral use only.
• The dosage is determined by a doctor based on the patient’s condition, age, weight, and response to treatment.
• It is typically taken with food to minimize stomach upset.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, crush, or break it.
• It is crucial to take the medication regularly as prescribed and not to stop taking it suddenly, even if symptoms improve, as abrupt discontinuation can trigger seizures or worsen other conditions.

Side Effects: Common side effects of Encorate 500 Tablet may include:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation. Taking it with food can help reduce these.
• Neurological: Dizziness, sleepiness/drowsiness, headache, tremors, unsteadiness, confusion, blurred vision, double vision (diplopia).
• Hair and Skin: Hair loss (alopecia), skin rash, itching, increased hair growth on the face, acne.
• Weight: Weight gain.
• Other: Irregular menstruation (in women), fatigue, flu-like symptoms.

More serious but less common side effects that require immediate medical attention include:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing).
• Liver problems (jaundice, dark urine, severe fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal pain).
• Pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting).
• Blood disorders (unusual bleeding or bruising, frequent infections).
• Suicidal thoughts or behavior changes.
• Worsening of seizures.

Precautions and Warnings:

• Prescription Only: Encorate 500 Tablet is a prescription medication.
• Liver Disease: Not recommended for use if you have active liver disease or a history of severe liver problems. Liver function tests should be monitored regularly, especially during the first six months of treatment.
• Urea Cycle Disorders/Mitochondrial Disorders: Contraindicated in patients with urea cycle disorders or certain mitochondrial disorders (e.g., Alpers-Huttenlocher syndrome) due to increased risk of severe adverse reactions.
• Porphyria: Not recommended for use in patients with porphyria.
• Pregnancy: Encorate 500 Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, due to potential risks of birth defects. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, discuss this thoroughly with your doctor. Effective contraception is advised for women of childbearing age.
• Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase side effects like drowsiness and potentially harm the liver.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: May cause dizziness and drowsiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Weight Gain: Monitor your weight during treatment.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Monitor for any new or worsening depression, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as Encorate can interact with other drugs (e.g., other antiepileptics, blood thinners, certain antibiotics).

Manufacturer in Nepal: Encorate 500 Tablet is manufactured by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., a leading Indian pharmaceutical company with a strong presence in Nepal.

Price in Nepal: Based on available information from Nepali pharmacies, the price for Encorate 500 Tablet (a strip of 10 tablets) is approximately NPR 70 to NPR 90. Prices can vary slightly depending on the pharmacy.