[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Antiseizure medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiseizure-medicines/) › Rufinamide

# Rufinamide

## Antiseizure medicines?

Antiseizure medicines

A triazole antiseizure medicine used together with others for the many seizure types of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It can shorten the QT interval.

Updated Nov 1, 2026

## Quick facts

**Group**
[Antiseizure medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiseizure-medicines/)

**Target**
Voltage-gated sodium channels

**Used for**
Seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

**Key effects**
Sleepiness · Poor coordination and difficulty walking

**Monitor**
ECG if there is a heart rhythm risk · Fever

**ATC**
N03AF03

No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.

On this page

- The basics Mechanism of action
- Indications
- Adverse effects
- Pharmacokinetics
- Memory aid

- Safety Contraindications
- Key interactions
- What is monitored
- Administration and safety
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Nursing care

- Study Test yourself

- Connections Connections

## Mechanism of action

Rufinamide is a triazole derivative unrelated in structure to other antiseizure medicines. It prolongs the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels and limits sustained repetitive firing; its complete mechanism is still unclear.

- Rufinamide prolongs Na⁺ channel slow inactivation
- Sustained repetitive firing is limited
- Fewer drop attacks and other LGS seizures

## Indications

- Seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, as add-on treatment [Epilepsy and seizures →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/epilepsy-and-seizures/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Sleepiness, dizziness and headache
- Poor coordination and difficulty walking
- Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
- Nystagmus and tremor

### Serious (rare, important)

- Shortening of the QT interval
- Multiorgan hypersensitivity (fever, rash, liver involvement)
- More seizures
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour

## Contraindications

- Familial short QT syndrome

## Key interactions

**Hormonal contraceptives**
May work less well; another method is discussed

**Alcohol**
Worse side effects

## What is monitored

- ECG if there is a heart rhythm risk
- Fever, rash and liver signs
- Seizure diary
- Mood and suicidal thoughts

## Administration and safety

- Oral tablets that can be swallowed whole, split on the score or crushed; also an oral suspension
- Raised gradually
- Not stopped suddenly

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Its safety in pregnancy is not established, and it can reduce hormonal contraceptive effect; family planning is discussed with the treating team.

## Nursing care

- Ask about familial short QT syndrome before starting
- Watch for fever and rash in the first weeks
- Check gait and fall risk
- Advise on non-hormonal contraception when relevant

## Pharmacokinetics

**Absorption**
Well absorbed by mouth

**Metabolism**
By carboxylesterases, not mainly by CYPs

**Elimination**
Metabolites in the urine

**Half-life**
Short; usually given twice a day

## Memory aid

«RUFinamide for ROUGH LGS»: Lennox-Gastaut, a short QT, and no hormonal contraception to rely on.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which epilepsy syndrome is rufinamide used for?

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (as add-on treatment).

## Which ECG change contraindicates rufinamide when inherited?

Familial short QT syndrome.

## How does rufinamide act on sodium channels?

It prolongs their slow inactivation and limits sustained repetitive firing.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/rufinamide/)

[More Pharmacology questions →](https://durgical.com/en/practice/?f=pharmacology)

## Connections

## Related drugs 3

- [Lamotrigine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/lamotrigine/)
- [Clobazam](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/clobazam/)
- [Cannabidiol](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/cannabidiol/)

## Related conditions 1

- [Epilepsy and seizures](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/epilepsy-and-seizures/)

[← Back to the class: Antiseizure medicines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/antiseizure-medicines/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Rufinamide: MedlinePlus Drug Information](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a609001.html) (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=N03AF03) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/rufinamide/