BREVIPIL 50 Tablet 10's

Introduction About BREVIPIL 50 TABLET

BREVIPIL 50 Tablet contains Brivaracetam, an anti-epileptic medicine used to control partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy. It helps reduce abnormal electrical activity in the brain and provides better seizure control.

BREVIPIL 50 Tablet helps in managing partial-onset seizures and adjunct therapy for epilepsy.

Take BREVIPIL 50 Tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with water. It can be taken with or without food.

Before taking BREVIPIL 50 Tablet, consult your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have kidney or liver issues. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.

BREVIPIL 50 Tablet may interact with other anti-epileptic drugs or CNS depressants. Inform your doctor of all current medications.

The most common side effects of BREVIPIL 50 Tablet are dizziness, fatigue and nausea. Contact your doctor if any of the above side effects worsen.

Uses Of BREVIPIL 50 TABLET

• Used to control partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy

Benefits of BREVIPIL 50 TABLET

1. Management of partial-onset seizures:

• Helps improve seizure control
• Minimizes seizure-related complications
• Enhances quality of life with regular use

2. Adjunct therapy for epilepsy:

• It can be safely combined with other AEDs (anti-epileptic drugs)
• Reduces seizure burden in management -resistant patients
• Improves overall management outcomes

How BREVIPIL 50 TABLET Works

1. Calms overactive brain signals: It helps quiet down the brain’s overactive electrical activity that can trigger seizures
2. Targets key brain proteins: Brivaracetam works by attaching to a protein in the brain called SV2A, which helps control how brain cells send signals
3. Keeps signals balanced: By working on these proteins, it helps keep the brain’s messages steady and balanced
4. Reduces seizure frequency: It lowers the number of seizures people may have by keeping brain activity more stable
5. Works alongside other medicines: Often used with other epilepsy medicines for better control, especially when one medicine is not enough

How to use BREVIPIL 50 TABLET

Recommended dosage of BREVIPIL 50 Tablet:

1. Adults and Adolescents (16 years and older):

• Starting Dose: 50 mg twice daily (total of 100 mg per day).
• Adjustment: Depending on response and tolerability, the dose may be adjusted
• Maximum Dose: Up to 100 mg twice daily (total of 200 mg per day)

2. Children (1 month to less than 16 years): Dosage is weight-based and should be determined by your doctor or a healthcare professional

• Weight ≥50 kg: 25–50 mg twice daily - may increase up to 100 mg twice daily
• Weight 20–49 kg: 0.5–1 mg/kg twice daily - maximum 2 mg/kg twice daily
• Weight 11–19 kg: 0.5–1.25 mg/kg twice daily - maximum 2.5 mg/kg twice daily
• Weight <11 kg: 0.75–1.5 mg/kg twice daily - maximum 3 mg/kg twice daily

How to take BREVIPIL 50 Tablet:

• Take BREVIPIL 50 as advised by your physician
• Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine
• It is typically taken two times a day, about 12 hours apart (eg., once in the morning and once at night)
• Take it at the same times each day to keep the medicine level steady in your body
• Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s advice. Stopping suddenly may cause more seizures

Can Brevipil 50 be taken with food?

• BREVIPIL 50 can be taken with or without food as directed by your doctor

What if I forgot to take BREVIPIL 50 TABLET

• If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next one
• Do not take double doses for make up for a missed dose

Overdose

If you or anyone else accidentally takes too much of BREVIPIL 50, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose include dizziness, sleep, feeling sick, a feeling of spinning, problems keeping your balance, anxiety, feeling very tired, irritability, being aggressive, not being able to sleep or self-harming thoughts.

Side Effects Of BREVIPIL 50 TABLET

Common side effects of BREVIPIL 50 TABLET:

• dizziness
• fatigue
• nausea

Rare:

• behavioral changes

How To Manage Side Effects

Dizziness Or Drowsiness

• Drink enough water during the day
• Dizziness often improves after a few days or weeks as your body gets used to the medicine
• When rising from bed or a chair, do it slowly, pause for a few seconds before standing to prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure

Nausea And Vomiting

• Eat a light snack or meal before taking the tablet, avoid taking it on an empty stomach
• Natural remedies like ginger tea or peppermint can soothe your stomach
• Instead of large meals, eat smaller portions throughout the day

Tiredness

• Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep each night
• Avoid long naps, especially late in the day, as they can affect nighttime sleep
• Light activity like a short walk or stretching can actually boost your energy levels

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Monitoring required

Brivaracetam is classified as Category C by the FDA, meaning risk cannot be ruled out. There are no well-controlled studies in humans regarding the use of Brivaracetam during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown no significant harm to the developing fetus at high doses. Therefore, the benefits of controlling seizures with Brevipil are often considered to outweigh potential risks, but this should only be decided by a healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding

Consult your doctor

Brivaracetam does pass into breast milk in small amounts. While no severe adverse effects have been conclusively reported in infants, it is generally advised to monitor the infant for potential side effects, such as drowsiness or poor feeding. Brevipil 50 should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, weighing the benefits of breastfeeding against the potential risks of exposure to the medicine.

Driving and Using Machines

Use with Caution

Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel sleepy, dizzy or tired while taking medicine.

Alcohol

Consult your doctor

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking the medicine.

Kidney

Contraindicated

BREVIPIL 50 TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with impaired renal function

Liver

Use with Caution

BREVIPIL 50 TABLET should be taken with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Do not take BREVIPIL 50 if you are allergic to Brivaracetam or any other ingredients of this medicine.

Use In Pediatrics

Contraindicated

BREVIPIL 50 is not recommended for use in children under 4 years of age.

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

BREVIPIL 50 should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years and above).

Other Warnings for BREVIPIL 50 TABLET

Before taking medicine, inform your doctor if you have:

• depression, suicidal ideations, or any unusual changes in mood and behaviour

Diet and Lifestyle Advice

Lifestyle Modifications for Epilepsy:

1. Diet and Nutrition

• Eat regular, balanced meals to maintain steady blood sugar levels
• Take whole grains, lean proteins, fruits & vegetables, magnesium and omega-3 rich foods (nuts, seeds, oily fish)
• Avoid skipping meals or fasting unless medically supervised

2. Exercise

• Regular, moderate exercise can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost mood
• Safe activities include walking, swimming (with supervision), cycling, light aerobics
• Avoid overexertion, dehydration, or risky sports where injury may occur during a seizure

3. Sleep Hygiene

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, go to bed and wake up at the same time daily
• Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night
• Avoid late nights, screen time before bed, and stimulants like caffeine close to bedtime

4. Stress Management

• Practice deep breathing, meditation, journaling
• Mindfulness or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

5. Avoid Triggers

• Track and avoid personal seizure triggers, such as flashing lights (photosensitivity), loud noises, alcohol, recreational drugs, or missed medications

Food or Supplements to avoid:

• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice
• Herbal supplements and remedies
• Excessive caffeine
• Processed and salty foods (if sodium-sensitive)
• Supplements with high doses of zinc or vitamin B6
• Tyramine-rich foods

Understanding Partial-Onset Seizures:

Partial-onset seizures begin in one specific area of the brain, unlike generalized seizures that affect both sides at once. These seizures may stay limited to that area or spread to other parts of the brain. They are also called focal seizures because they have a clear starting point ("focus") in the brain.

Types of Partial-Onset Seizures:

• Focal Aware Seizures (Previously called simple partial seizures)
• Focal Impaired Awareness Seizures (Previously complex partial seizures)
• Focal to Bilateral Tonic-Clonic Seizures

How to talk to family about epilepsy:

• Pick a quiet, relaxed time when everyone is open to listening, not during a conflict or stressful moment
• Explain what epilepsy is in simple words
• Describe what your seizures usually occur
• Teach them basic first aid
• Be honest about emotions
• Share what support you need
• Reassure and empower

Drug - Drug interaction

What not to mix with Brevipil 50 Tablet:

1. Sleep medications & sedatives:

• Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)
• Sleeping pills (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone)
• OTC sleep aids (e.g., diphenhydramine)
• Risk: It may cause drowsiness, confusion, and respiratory depression when combined with BREVIPIL

2. Other anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs):

• Phenytoin, Carbamazepine
• Levetiracetam
• Phenobarbital, valproate

Synopsis

More Information

Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders:

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where the brain sends out abnormal electrical signals, causing repeated, unprovoked seizures. It affects people of all ages and can vary greatly in severity.

What causes epilepsy?

• Genetic factors
• Brain injury or trauma
• Stroke or brain tumors
• Infections like meningitis or encephalitis
• Developmental disorders (e.g., autism, cerebral palsy)
• Metabolic or autoimmune conditions
• In many cases, the cause is unknown (idiopathic epilepsy)

Diagnosis of epilepsy:

• EEG (electroencephalogram): records brain waves
• MRI or CT scans: to check for structural causes
• Blood tests: to rule out infections or metabolic issues

Epilepsy management strategies:

• Anti-Seizure Medications (AEDs): First-line therapy for most patients
• Lifestyle Modifications
• Ketogenic Diet
• Surgery: For drug-resistant epilepsy when seizures originate from a specific area
• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)/Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)

Brevipil 50 substitutes or you may also like

• BRIVEE 50mg Tablet
• BRIV+ 50 Tablet
• BRIVAZEN 50 Tablet 10's
• BRIVGARD 50 Tablet
• BRIVAHENZ 50 Tablet

FAQs About BREVIPIL 50 TABLET

References

1. Misty D. Smith, Cameron S. Metcalf, and Karen S. Wilcox. Pharmacotherapy of the Epilepsies. Goodman & Gilman’s: The Pharmacological basics of Therapeutics. 13th Edition. New York McGraw Hill Medical 2018. Page – 303-326.

2. Felix Zahnert, Kristina Krause, Ilka Immisch, Lena Habermehl, Iris Gorny, Izabella Chmielewska, Leona Möller, Anna M. Weyand, Peter M. Mross, Jan Wagner, Katja Menzler and Susanne Knake. Brivaracetam in the Treatment of Patients with Epilepsy - First Clinical Experiences. Journal of Frontiers in neurology. February 2018. [Accessed on 12th April 2025]

3. Farbod Khaleghi, and Eric C. Nemec. A Novel Adjunctive Therapy for Partial-Onset Seizures. February 2017. [Accessed on 12th April 2025]

4. UCB Pharma limited. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in October 2021] [Accessed 12th April 2025]

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) with ESR
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• ECG at Home

Author Details

Written By Dr. Janet.C - Pharm.D

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Sankara Babu Gorle - MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Last updated on 15 Apr 2025 | 09:45 AM(IST)