Topamax
Topamax (topiramate) is an anticonvulsant medication. It works by calming overexcited nerves in the brain, making it effective for preventing migraine attacks and controlling epileptic seizures (both partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures).
Dosage by Body Weight
Topamax dosing must be individualized and titrated slowly to minimize side effects. It is typically started at a low dose and increased weekly. It can be taken with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole to avoid a bitter taste; sprinkle capsules can be opened and mixed with soft food. Adequate hydration is crucial to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants in this weight range.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Use only if prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Topamax is generally not indicated for pediatric patients under 2 years of age.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Starting: 12.5 mg daily; Maintenance: 50 mg to 90 mg daily
- Frequency
- Divided into two daily doses
- Tracking Notes
- For pediatric epilepsy monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in patients aged 2 and older. Titrate slowly based on clinical response.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Starting: 12.5 mg to 25 mg daily; Maintenance: 50 mg to 125 mg daily
- Frequency
- Divided into two daily doses
- Tracking Notes
- Based on standard pediatric dosing guidelines of 5 to 9 mg/kg/day for maintenance, titrated up gradually over several weeks.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- Starting: 25 mg daily; Maintenance: 100 mg to 150 mg daily
- Frequency
- Divided into two daily doses
- Tracking Notes
- Dose is increased weekly by increments of 25 mg or as directed by a pediatric specialist.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Safety and efficacy have not been established for infants in this weight range. |
| 5-7 kg | Not routine | Use only if prescribed | Topamax is generally not indicated for pediatric patients under 2 years of age. |
| 8-10 kg | Starting: 12.5 mg daily; Maintenance: 50 mg to 90 mg daily | Divided into two daily doses | For pediatric epilepsy monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in patients aged 2 and older. Titrate slowly based on clinical response. |
| 11-15 kg | Starting: 12.5 mg to 25 mg daily; Maintenance: 50 mg to 125 mg daily | Divided into two daily doses | Based on standard pediatric dosing guidelines of 5 to 9 mg/kg/day for maintenance, titrated up gradually over several weeks. |
| 16-20 kg | Starting: 25 mg daily; Maintenance: 100 mg to 150 mg daily | Divided into two daily doses | Dose is increased weekly by increments of 25 mg or as directed by a pediatric specialist. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to treat and prevent seizures (epilepsy) in adults and children, and to prevent migraine headaches in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older.
Generic Name
TopiramateScheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.