Monotherapy in adults, adolescents and children over 6 years of age with partial seizures with or without secondary generalised seizures, and primary generalised tonic‑clonic seizures.

Adjunctive therapy in children aged 2 years and above, adolescents and adults with partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalization or primary generalized tonic‑clonic seizures and for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox‑Gastaut syndrome.

Topiramate is indicated in adults for the prophylaxis of migraine headache after careful evaluation of possible alternative treatment options. Topiramate is not intended for acute treatment.

Posology

It is recommended that therapy be initiated at a low dose followed by titration to an effective dose. Dose and titration rate should be guided by clinical response.

It is not necessary to monitor topiramate plasma concentrations to optimize therapy with Topamax. On rare occasions, the addition of topiramate to phenytoin may require an adjustment of the dose of phenytoin to achieve optimal clinical outcome. Addition or withdrawal of phenytoin and carbamazepine to adjunctive therapy with Topamax may require adjustment of the dose of Topamax.

In patients with or without a history of seizures or epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) including topiramate should be gradually withdrawn to minimize the potential for seizures or increased seizure frequency. In clinical trials, daily dosages were decreased in weekly intervals by 50‑100 mg in adults with epilepsy and by 25‑50 mg in adults receiving topiramate at doses up to 100 mg/day for migraine prophylaxis. In paediatric clinical trials, topiramate was gradually withdrawn over a 2‑8 week period.

Monotherapy epilepsy

General

When concomitant AEDs are withdrawn to achieve monotherapy with topiramate, consideration should be given to the effects this may have on seizure control. Unless safety concerns require an abrupt withdrawal of the concomitant AED, a gradual discontinuation at the rate of approximately one‑third of the concomitant AED dose every 2 weeks is recommended.

When enzyme inducing medicinal products are withdrawn, topiramate levels will increase. A decrease in Topamax (topiramate) dosage may be required if clinically indicated.

Adults

Dose and titration should be guided by clinical response. Titration should begin at 25 mg nightly for 1 week. The dosage should then be increased at 1‑ or 2‑week intervals by increments of 25 or 50 mg/day, administered in two divided doses. If the patient is unable to tolerate the titration regimen, smaller increments or longer intervals between increments can be used.

The recommended initial target dose for topiramate monotherapy in adults is 100 mg/day to 200 mg/day in 2 divided doses. The maximum recommended daily dose is 500 mg/day in 2 divided doses. Some patients with refractory forms of epilepsy have tolerated topiramate monotherapy at doses of 1,000 mg/day. These dosing recommendations apply to all adults including the elderly in the absence of underlying renal disease.

Paediatric population (children over 6 years of age)

Dose and titration rate in children should be guided by clinical outcome. Treatment of children over 6 years of age should begin at 0.5 to 1 mg/kg nightly for the first week. The dosage should then be increased at 1 or 2 week intervals by increments of 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day, administered in two divided doses. If the child is unable to tolerate the titration regimen, smaller increments or longer intervals between dose increments can be used.

The recommended initial target dose range for topiramate monotherapy in children over 6 years of age is 100 mg/day depending on clinical response, (this is about 2.0 mg/kg/day in children 6‑16 years).

Adjunctive therapy epilepsy (partial onset seizures with or without secondary generalization, primary generalized tonic‑clonic seizures, or seizures associated with Lennox‑Gastaut syndrome)

Adults

Therapy should begin at 25‑50 mg nightly for one week. Use of lower initial doses has been reported, but has not been studied systematically. Subsequently, at weekly or bi‑weekly intervals, the dose should be increased by 25‑50 mg/day and taken in two divided doses. Some patients may achieve efficacy with once‑a‑day dosing.

In clinical trials as adjunctive therapy, 200 mg was the lowest effective dose. The usual daily dose is 200‑400 mg in two divided doses.

These dosing recommendations apply to all adults, including the elderly, in the absence of underlying renal disease (see section 4.4).

Paediatric population (children aged 2 years and above)

The recommended total daily dose of Topamax (topiramate) as adjunctive therapy is approximately 5 to 9 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. Titration should begin at 25 mg (or less, based on a range of 1 to 3 mg/kg/day) nightly for the first week. The dosage should then be increased at 1‑ or 2‑week intervals by increments of 1 to 3 mg/kg/day (administered in two divided doses), to achieve optimal clinical response.

Daily doses up to 30 mg/kg/day have been studied and were generally well tolerated.

Migraine

Adults

The recommended total daily dose of topiramate for prophylaxis of migraine headache is 100 mg/day administered in two divided doses. Titration should begin at 25 mg nightly for 1 week. The dosage should then be increased in increments of 25 mg/day administered at 1‑week intervals. If the patient is unable to tolerate the titration regimen, longer intervals between dose adjustments can be used.

Some patients may experience a benefit at a total daily dose of 50 mg/day. Patients have received a total daily dose up to 200 mg/day. This dose may be benefit in some patients, nevertheless, caution is advised due to an increase incidence of side effects.

Paediatric population

Topamax (topiramate) is not recommended for treatment or prevention of migraine in children due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy.

General dosing recommendations for Topamax in special patient populations

Renal impairment

In patients with impaired renal function (CL_CR ≤ 70 mL/min) topiramate should be administered with caution as the plasma and renal clearance of topiramate are decreased. Subjects with known renal impairment may require a longer time to reach steady‑state at each dose. Half of the usual starting and maintenance dose is recommended (see section 5.2).

In patients with end‑stage renal failure, since topiramate is removed from plasma by haemodialysis, a supplemental dose of Topamax equal to approximately one‑half the daily dose should be administered on haemodialysis days. The supplemental dose should be administered in divided doses at the beginning and completion of the haemodialysis procedure. The supplemental dose may differ based on the characteristics of the dialysis equipment being used (see section 5.2).

Hepatic impairment

In patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment topiramate should be administered with caution as the clearance of topiramate is decreased.

Elderly

No dose adjustment is required in the elderly population providing renal function is intact.

Method of administration

Topamax is available in film‑coated tablets and a hard capsule formulation, for oral administration. It is recommended that film‑coated tablets not be broken. The hard capsule formulation is provided for those patients who cannot swallow tablets, e.g. paediatric and the elderly.

Topamax hard capsules may be swallowed whole or may be administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a small amount (teaspoon) of soft food. This medicinal product/food mixture is to be swallowed immediately and not chewed. It must not be stored for future use.

Topamax can be taken without regard to meals.

In situations where rapid withdrawal of topiramate is medically required, appropriate monitoring is recommended (see section 4.2).

As with other AEDs, some patients may experience an increase in seizure frequency or the onset of new types of seizures with topiramate. These phenomena may be the consequence of an overdose, a decrease in plasma concentrations of concomitantly used AEDs, progress of the disease, or a paradoxical effect.

Adequate hydration while using topiramate is very important. Hydration can reduce the risk of nephrolithiasis (see below). Proper hydration prior to and during activities such as exercise or exposure to warm temperatures may reduce the risk of heat‑related adverse reactions (see section 4.8).

Women of childbearing potential

Topiramate may cause fetal harm and fetal growth restriction (small for gestational age and low birth weight) when administered to a pregnant woman. The North American Antiepileptic Drug pregnancy registry data for topiramate monotherapy showed an approximate 3‑fold higher prevalence of major congenital malformations (4.3%), compared with a reference group not taking AEDs (1.4%). In addition, data from other studies indicate that, compared with monotherapy, there is an increased risk of teratogenic effects associated with the use of AEDs in combination therapy.

Before the initiation of treatment with topiramate in a woman of childbearing potential, pregnancy testing should be performed and a highly effective contraceptive method advised (see section 4.5).  The patient should be fully informed of the risks related to the use of topiramate during pregnancy (see sections 4.3 and 4.6).

Oligohydrosis

Oligohydrosis (decreased sweating) has been reported in association with the use of topiramate. Decreased sweating and hyperthermia (rise in body temperature) may occur especially in young children exposed to high ambient temperature.

Mood disturbances/depression

An increased incidence of mood disturbances and depression has been observed during topiramate treatment.

Suicide/suicide ideation

Suicidal ideation and behaviour have been reported in patients treated with antiepileptic agents in several indications. A meta‑analysis of randomised placebo‑controlled trials of AEDs has shown a small increased risk of suicidal ideation and behaviour. The mechanism of this risk is not known and the available data do not exclude the possibility of an increased risk for topiramate.

In double blind clinical trials, suicide related events (SREs) (suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and suicide) occurred at a frequency of 0.5% in topiramate treated patients (46 out of 8,652 patients treated) and at a nearly 3‑fold higher incidence than those treated with placebo (0.2%; 8 out of 4,045 patients treated).

Patients therefore should be monitored for signs of suicidal ideation and behaviour and appropriate treatment should be considered. Patients (and caregivers of patients) should be advised to seek medical advice should signs of suicidal ideation or behaviour emerge.

Serious skin reactions

Serious skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)) have been reported in patients receiving topiramate (see section 4.8). It is recommended that patients be informed about the signs of serious skin reactions. If SJS or TEN are suspected, treatment with Topamax should be discontinued.

Nephrolithiasis

Some patients, especially those with a predisposition to nephrolithiasis, may be at increased risk for renal stone formation and associated signs and symptoms such as renal colic, renal pain or flank pain.

Risk factors for nephrolithiasis include prior stone formation, a family history of nephrolithiasis and hypercalciuria  (see below – Metabolic acidosis). None of these risk factors can reliably predict stone formation during topiramate treatment. In addition, patients taking other medicinal products associated with nephrolithiasis may be at increased risk.

Decreased renal function

In patients with impaired renal function (CL_CR ≤ 70 mL/min) topiramate should be administered with caution as the plasma and renal clearance of topiramate are decreased. For specific posology recommendations in patients with decreased renal function, see section 4.2.

Decreased hepatic function

In hepatically‑impaired patients, topiramate should be administered with caution as the clearance of topiramate may be decreased.

Acute myopia and secondary angle closure glaucoma

A syndrome consisting of acute myopia associated with secondary angle closure glaucoma has been reported in patients receiving topiramate. Symptoms include acute onset of decreased visual acuity and/or ocular pain. Ophthalmologic findings can include myopia, anterior chamber shallowing, ocular hyperaemia (redness) and increased intraocular pressure. Mydriasis may or may not be present. This syndrome may be associated with supraciliary effusion resulting in anterior displacement of the lens and iris, with secondary angle closure glaucoma. Symptoms typically occur within 1 month of initiating topiramate therapy. In contrast to primary narrow angle glaucoma, which is rare under 40 years of age, secondary angle closure glaucoma associated with topiramate has been reported in paediatric patients as well as adults. Treatment includes discontinuation of topiramate, as rapidly as possible in the judgment of the treating physician, and appropriate measures to reduce intraocular pressure. These measures generally result in a decrease in intraocular pressure.

Elevated intraocular pressure of any aetiology, if left untreated, can lead to serious sequelae including permanent vision loss.

A determination should be made whether patients with history of eye disorders should be treated with topiramate.

Visual field defects

Visual field defects have been reported in patients receiving topiramate independent of elevated intraocular pressure. In clinical trials, most of these events were reversible after topiramate discontinuation. If visual field defects occur at any time during topiramate treatment, consideration should be given to discontinuing the drug.

Metabolic acidosis

Hyperchloremic, non‑anion gap, metabolic acidosis (i.e. decreased serum bicarbonate below the normal reference range in the absence of respiratory alkalosis) is associated with topiramate treatment. This decrease in serum bicarbonate is due to the inhibitory effect of topiramate on renal carbonic anhydrase. Generally, the decrease in bicarbonate occurs early in treatment although it can occur at any time during treatment. These decreases are usually mild to moderate (average decrease of 4 mmol/l at doses of 100 mg/day or above in adults and at approximately 6 mg/kg/day in paediatric patients). Rarely, patients have experienced decreases to values below 10 mmol/l. Conditions or therapies that predispose to acidosis (such as renal disease, severe respiratory disorders, status epilepticus, diarrhoea, surgery, ketogenic diet, or certain medicinal products) may be additive to the bicarbonate lowering effects of topiramate.

Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis increases the risk of nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis, and may potentially lead to osteopenia (see above – Nephrolithiasis).

Chronic metabolic acidosis in paediatric patients can reduce growth rates. The effect of topiramate on bone‑related sequelae has not been systematically investigated in paediatric or adult populations.

Depending on underlying conditions, appropriate evaluation including serum bicarbonate levels is recommended with topiramate therapy. If signs or symptoms are present (e.g. Kussmaul’s deep breathing, dyspnoea, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, excessive tiredness, tachycardia or arrhythmia), indicative of metabolic acidosis, measurement of serum bicarbonate is recommended. If metabolic acidosis develops and persists, consideration should be given to reducing the dose or discontinuing topiramate (using dose tapering).

Topiramate should be used with caution in patients with conditions or treatments that represent a risk factor for the appearance of metabolic acidosis.

Impairment of cognitive function

Cognitive impairment in epilepsy is multifactorial and may be due to the underlying aetiology, due to the epilepsy or due to the antiepileptic treatment. There have been reports in the literature of impairment of cognitive function in adults on topiramate therapy which required reduction in dosage or discontinuation of treatment. However, studies regarding cognitive outcomes in children treated with topiramate are insufficient and its effect in this regard still needs to be elucidated.

Hyperammonemia and encephalopathy

Hyperammonemia with or without encephalopathy has been reported with topiramate treatment (see section 4.8). The risk for hyperammonemia with topiramate appears dose-related. Hyperammonemia has been reported more frequently when topiramate is used concomitantly with valproic acid (see section 4.5).

In patients who develop unexplained lethargy, or changes in mental status associated with topiramate monotherapy or adjunctive therapy, it is recommended to consider hyperammonemic encephalopathy and measuring ammonia levels.

Nutritional supplementation

Some patients may experience weight loss whilst on treatment with topiramate. It is recommended that patients on topiramate treatment should be monitored for weight loss. A dietary supplement or increased food intake may be considered if the patient is losing weight while on topiramate.

Sucrose intolerance

This medicinal product contains sucrose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose‑galactose malabsorption or sucrose‑isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.

Effects of Topamax on other antiepileptic medicinal products

The addition of Topamax to other AEDs (phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenobarbital, primidone) has no effect on their steady‑state plasma concentrations, except in the occasional patient, where the addition of Topamax to phenytoin may result in an increase of plasma concentrations of phenytoin. This is possibly due to inhibition of a specific enzyme polymorphic isoform (CYP2C19). Consequently, any patient on phenytoin showing clinical signs or symptoms of toxicity should have phenytoin levels monitored.

A pharmacokinetic interaction study of patients with epilepsy indicated the addition of topiramate to lamotrigine had no effect on steady state plasma concentration of lamotrigine at topiramate doses of 100 to 400 mg/day. In addition, there was no change in steady state plasma concentration of topiramate during or after removal of lamotrigine treatment (mean dose of 327 mg/day).

Topiramate inhibits the enzyme CYP 2C19 and may interfere with other substances metabolized via this enzyme (e.g., diazepam, imipramin, moclobemide, proguanil, omeprazol).

Effects of other antiepileptic medicinal products on Topamax

Phenytoin and carbamazepine decrease the plasma concentration of topiramate. The addition or withdrawal of phenytoin or carbamazepine to Topamax therapy may require an adjustment in dosage of the latter. This should be done by titrating to clinical effect. The addition or withdrawal of valproic acid does not produce clinically significant changes in plasma concentrations of Topamax and, therefore, does not warrant dosage adjustment of Topamax. The results of these interactions are summarized below:

Other medicinal product interactions

Digoxin

In a single‑dose study, serum digoxin area under plasma concentration curve (AUC) decreased 12% due to concomitant administration of Topamax. The clinical relevance of this observation has not been established. When Topamax is added or withdrawn in patients on digoxin therapy, careful attention should be given to the routine monitoring of serum digoxin.

Central nervous system depressants

Concomitant administration of Topamax and alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressant medicinal products has not been evaluated in clinical studies. It is recommended that Topamax not be used concomitantly with alcohol or other CNS depressant medicinal products.

St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

A risk of decreased plasma concentrations resulting in a loss of efficacy could be observed with co‑administration of topiramate and St John’s Wort. There have been no clinical studies evaluating this potential interaction.

Oral contraceptives

In a pharmacokinetic interaction study in healthy volunteers with a concomitantly administered combination oral contraceptive product containing 1 mg norethindrone (NET) plus 35 µg ethinyl estradiol (EE), Topamax given in the absence of other medications at doses of 50 to 200 mg/day was not associated with statistically significant changes in mean exposure (AUC) to either component of the oral contraceptive. In another study, exposure to EE was statistically significantly decreased at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/day (18%, 21%, and 30%, respectively) when given as adjunctive therapy in epilepsy patients taking valproic acid. In both studies, Topamax (50‑200 mg/day in healthy volunteers and 200‑800 mg/day in epilepsy patients) did not significantly affect exposure to NET. Although there was a dose-dependent decrease in EE exposure for doses between 200‑800 mg/day (in epilepsy patients), there was no significant dose-dependent change in EE exposure for doses of 50‑200 mg/day (in healthy volunteers). The clinical significance of the changes observed is not known. The possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy and increased breakthrough bleeding should be considered in patients taking combination oral contraceptive products with Topamax. Patients taking estrogen containing contraceptives should be asked to report any change in their bleeding patterns. Contraceptive efficacy can be decreased even in the absence of breakthrough bleeding.

Lithium

In healthy volunteers, there was an observed reduction (18% for AUC) in systemic exposure for lithium during concomitant administration with topiramate 200 mg/day. In patients with bipolar disorder, the pharmacokinetics of lithium were unaffected during treatment with topiramate at doses of 200 mg/day; however, there was an observed increase in systemic exposure (26% for AUC) following topiramate doses of up to 600 mg/day. Lithium levels should be monitored when co‑administered with topiramate.

Risperidone

Drug‑drug interaction studies conducted under single dose conditions in healthy volunteers and multiple dose conditions in patients with bipolar disorder, yielded similar results. When administered concomitantly with topiramate at escalating doses of 100, 250 and 400 mg/day there was a reduction in risperidone (administered at doses ranging from 1 to 6 mg/day) systemic exposure (16% and 33% for steady‑state AUC at the 250 and 400 mg/day doses, respectively). However, differences in AUC for the total active moiety between treatment with risperidone alone and combination treatment with topiramate were not statistically significant. Minimal alterations in the pharmacokinetics of the total active moiety (risperidone plus 9‑hydroxyrisperidone) and no alterations for 9‑hydroxyrisperidone were observed. There were no significant changes in the systemic exposure of the risperidone total active moiety or of topiramate. When topiramate was added to existing risperidone (1‑6 mg/day) treatment, adverse events were reported more frequently than prior to topiramate (250‑400 mg/day) introduction (90% and 54% respectively). The most frequently reported AE’s when topiramate was added to risperidone treatment were: somnolence (27% and 12%), paraesthesia (22% and 0%) and nausea (18% and 9% respectively).

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

A drug‑drug interaction study conducted in healthy volunteers evaluated the steady‑state pharmacokinetics of HCTZ (25 mg every 24 h) and topiramate (96 mg every 12 h) when administered alone and concomitantly. The results of this study indicate that topiramate C_max increased by 27% and AUC increased by 29% when HCTZ was added to topiramate. The clinical significance of this change is unknown. The addition of HCTZ to topiramate therapy may require an adjustment of the topiramate dose. The steady‑state pharmacokinetics of HCTZ were not significantly influenced by the concomitant administration of topiramate. Clinical laboratory results indicated decreases in serum potassium after topiramate or HCTZ administration, which were greater when HCTZ and topiramate were administered in combination.

Metformin

A drug‑drug interaction study conducted in healthy volunteers evaluated the steady‑state pharmacokinetics of metformin and topiramate in plasma when metformin was given alone and when metformin and topiramate were given simultaneously. The results of this study indicated that metformin mean C_max and mean AUC_0-12h increased by 18% and 25%, respectively, while mean CL/F decreased 20% when metformin was co‑administered with topiramate. Topiramate did not affect metformin t_max. The clinical significance of the effect of topiramate on metformin pharmacokinetics is unclear. Oral plasma clearance of topiramate appears to be reduced when administered with metformin. The extent of change in the clearance is unknown. The clinical significance of the effect of metformin on topiramate pharmacokinetics is unclear.

When Topamax is added or withdrawn in patients on metformin therapy, careful attention should be given to the routine monitoring for adequate control of their diabetic disease state.

Pioglitazone

A drug‑drug interaction study conducted in healthy volunteers evaluated the steady‑state pharmacokinetics of topiramate and pioglitazone when administered alone and concomitantly. A 15% decrease in the AUC_t,ss of pioglitazone with no alteration in C_max,ss was observed. This finding was not statistically significant. In addition, a 13% and 16% decrease in C_max,ss and AUC_t,ss respectively, of the active hydroxy‑metabolite was noted as well as a 60% decrease in C_max,ss and AUC_t,ss of the active keto‑metabolite. The clinical significance of these findings is not known. When Topamax is added to pioglitazone therapy or pioglitazone is added to Topamax therapy, careful attention should be given to the routine monitoring of patients for adequate control of their diabetic disease state.

Glibenclamide

A drug‑drug interaction study conducted in patients with type 2 diabetes evaluated the steady‑state pharmacokinetics of glibenclamide (5 mg/day) alone and concomitantly with topiramate (150 mg/day). There was a 25% reduction in glibenclamide AUC₂₄ during topiramate administration. Systemic exposure of the active metabolites, 4-trans-hydroxy-glyburide (M1) and 3-cis-hydroxyglyburide (M2), were also reduced by 13% and 15%, respectively. The steady‑state pharmacokinetics of topiramate were unaffected by concomitant administration of glibenclamide.

When topiramate is added to glibenclamide therapy or glibenclamide is added to topiramate therapy, careful attention should be given to the routine monitoring of patients for adequate control of their diabetic disease state.

Other forms of interactions

Agents predisposing to nephrolithiasis

Topamax, when used concomitantly with other agents predisposing to nephrolithiasis, may increase the risk of nephrolithiasis. While using Topamax, agents like these should be avoided since they may create a physiological environment that increases the risk of renal stone formation.

Valproic acid

Concomitant administration of topiramate and valproic acid has been associated with hyperammonemia with or without encephalopathy in patients who have tolerated either medicinal product alone. In most cases, symptoms and signs abated with discontinuation of either medicinal product (see section 4.4 and section 4.8). This adverse reaction is not due to a pharmacokinetic interaction.

Hypothermia, defined as an unintentional drop in body core temperature to <35°C, has been reported in association with concomitant use of topiramate and valproic acid (VPA) both in conjunction with hyperammonemia and in the absence of hyperammonemia. This adverse event in patients using concomitant topiramate and valproate can occur after starting topiramate treatment or after increasing the daily dose of topiramate.

Warfarin

Decreased Prothrombin Time/International Normalized Ratio (PT/INR) has been reported in patients treated with topiramate in combination with warfarin. Therefore, INR should be carefully monitored in patients concomitantly treated with topiramate and warfarin.

Additional pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies

Clinical studies have been conducted to assess the potential pharmacokinetic drug interaction between topiramate and other agents. The changes in C_max or AUC as a result of the interactions are summarized below. The second column (concomitant drug concentration) describes what happens to the concentration of the concomitant drug listed in the first column when topiramate is added. The third column (topiramate concentration) describes how the coadministration of a drug listed in the first column modifies the concentration of topiramate.

Pregnancy

Risk related to epilepsy and AEDs in general

Specialist advice should be given to women who are of childbearing potential. The need for treatment with AEDs should be reviewed when a woman is planning to become pregnant. In women being treated for epilepsy, sudden discontinuation of AED therapy should be avoided as this may lead to breakthrough seizures that could have serious consequences for the woman and the unborn child. Monotherapy should be preferred whenever possible because therapy with multiple AEDs could be associated with a higher risk of congenital malformations than monotherapy, depending on the associated antiepileptics.

Risk related to topiramate

Topiramate was teratogenic in mice, rats and rabbits (see section 5.3). In rats, topiramate crosses the placental barrier.

In humans, topiramate crosses the placenta and similar concentrations have been reported in the umbilical cord and maternal blood.

Clinical data from pregnancy registries indicate that infants exposed to topiramate monotherapy have:

·            An increased risk of congenital malformations (particularly cleft lip/palate, hypospadias, and anomalies involving various body systems) following exposure during the first trimester. The North American Antiepileptic Drug pregnancy registry data for topiramate monotherapy showed an approximate 3‑fold higher  prevalence of major congenital malformations (4.3%), compared with a reference group not taking AEDs (1.4%). In addition, data from other studies indicate that, compared with monotherapy, there is an increased risk of teratogenic effects associated with the use of AEDs in combination therapy. The risk has been reported to be dose dependent; effects were observed in all doses.  In women treated with topiramate who have had a child with a congenital malformation, there appears to be an increased risk of malformations in subsequent pregnancies when exposed to topiramate.

·            A higher prevalence of low birth weight (<2500 grams) compared with a reference group.

·            An increased prevalence of being small for gestational age (SGA; defined as birth weight below the 10^th percentile corrected for their gestational age, stratified by sex). The long term consequences of the SGA findings could not be determined.

Indication epilepsy

It is recommended to consider alternative therapeutic options in women of childbearing potential. If topirmate is used in women of childbearing potential, it is recommended that highly effective contraception be used (see section 4.5), and that the woman is fully informed of the known risks of uncontrolled epilepsy to the pregnancy and the potential risks of the medicinal product to the foetus. If a woman plans a pregnancy, a preconceptional visit is recommended in order to reassess the treatment, and to consider other therapeutic options. In case of administration during the first trimester, careful prenatal monitoring should be performed.

Indication migraine prophylaxis

Topiramate is contraindicated in pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential if a highly effective method of contraception is not used (see sections 4.3 and 4.5).

Breast‑feeding

Animal studies have shown excretion of topiramate in milk. The excretion of topiramate in human milk has not been evaluated in controlled studies. Limited observations in patients suggest an extensive excretion of topiramate into human milk. Effects that have been observed in breastfed newborns/infants of treated mothers, include diarrhea, drowsiness, irritability and inadequate weight gain. Therefore, a decision must be made whether to suspend breast‑feeding or to discontinue/ abstain from topiramate therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of topiramate therapy for the women (see section 4.4).

Fertility

Animal studies did not reveal impairment of fertility by topiramate (see section 5.3). The effect of topiramate on human fertility has not been established.

Topamax has minor or moderate influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Topiramate acts on the central nervous system and may produce drowsiness, dizziness or other related symptoms. It may also cause visual disturbances and/or blurred vision. These adverse reactions could potentially be dangerous in patients driving a vehicle or operating machinery, particularly until such time as the individual patient's experience with the medicinal products established.

The safety of topiramate was evaluated from a clinical trial database consisting of 4,111 patients (3,182 on topiramate and 929 on placebo) who participated in 20 double‑blind trials and 2,847 patients who participated in 34 open‑label trials, respectively, for topiramate as adjunctive treatment of primary generalized tonic‑clonic seizures, partial onset seizures, seizures associated with Lennox‑Gastaut syndrome, monotherapy for newly or recently diagnosed epilepsy or migraine prophylaxis. The majority of adverse reactions were mild to moderate in severity. Adverse reactions identified in clinical trials, and during post‑marketing experience (as indicated by “*”) are listed by their incidence in clinical trials in Table 1. Assigned frequencies are as follows:

Very common   ≥1/10

Common                      ≥1/100 to <1/10

Uncommon                   ≥1/1,000 to <1/100

Rare                 ≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000

Not known                    cannot be estimated from the available data

The most common adverse reactions (those with an incidence of >5% and greater than that observed in placebo in at least 1 indication in double‑blind controlled studies with topiramate) include: anorexia, decreased appetite, bradyphrenia, depression, expressive language disorder, insomnia, coordination abnormal, disturbance in attention, dizziness, dysarthria, dysgeusia, hypoesthesia, lethargy, memory impairment, nystagmus, paresthesia, somnolence, tremor, diplopia, vision blurred, diarrhoea, nausea, fatigue, irritability, and weight decreased.

Congenital malformations and fetal growth restrictions (see section 4.4 and section 4.6).

Paediatric population

Adverse reactions reported more frequently (³2‑fold) in children than in adults in double‑blind controlled studies include:

·            Decreased appetite

·            Increased appetite

·            Hyperchloraemic acidosis

·            Hypokalaemia

·            Abnormal behaviour

·            Aggression

·            Apathy

·            Initial insomnia

·            Suicidal ideation

·            Disturbance in attention

·            Lethargy

·            Circadian rhythm sleep disorder

·            Poor quality sleep

·            Lacrimation increased

·            Sinus bradycardia

·            Feeling abnormal

·            Gait disturbance.

Adverse reactions that were reported in children but not in adults in double‑blind controlled studies include:

·            Eosinophilia

·            Psychomotor hyperactivity

·            Vertigo

·            Vomiting

·            Hyperthermia

·            Pyrexia

·            Learning disability.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. To Report any side effect(s):

           • Saudi Arabia

• Other GCC States: 

− Please contact the relevant competent authority.

Signs and symptoms

Overdoses of topiramate have been reported. Signs and symptoms included convulsions, drowsiness, speech disturbances, blurred vision, diplopia, impaired mentation, lethargy, abnormal coordination, stupor, hypotension, abdominal pain, agitation, dizziness and depression. The clinical consequences were not severe in most cases, but deaths have been reported after overdoses with multiple medicinal products including topiramate.

Topiramate overdose can result in severe metabolic acidosis (see section 4.4).

Treatment

In the event of overdose, topiramate should be discontinued and general supportive treatment given until clinical toxicity has been diminished or resolved. The patient should be well hydrated. Haemodialysis has been shown to be an effective means of removing topiramate from the body. Other measures may also be taken at the physician’s discretion.

Pharmacotherapeutic group: antiepileptics, other antiepileptics, ATC code: N03AX11.

Topiramate is classified as a sulfamate‑substituted monosaccharide. The precise mechanism by which topiramate exerts its antiseizure and migraine prophylaxis effects are unknown. Electrophysiological and biochemical studies on cultured neurons have identified three properties that may contribute to the antiepileptic efficacy of topiramate.

Action potentials elicited repetitively by a sustained depolarization of the neurons were blocked by topiramate in a time‑dependent manner, suggestive of a state‑dependent sodium channel blocking action. Topiramate increased the frequency at which γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) activated GABA_A receptors, and enhanced the ability of GABA to induce a flux of chloride ions into neurons, suggesting that topiramate potentiates the activity of this inhibitory neurotransmitter.

This effect was not blocked by flumazenil, a benzodiazepine antagonist, nor did topiramate increase the duration of the channel open time, differentiating topiramate from barbiturates that modulate GABA_A receptors.

Because the antiepileptic profile of topiramate differs markedly from that of the benzodiazepines, it may modulate a benzodiazepine‑insensitive subtype of GABA_A receptor. Topiramate antagonized the ability of kainate to activate the kainate/AMPA (α -amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid) subtype of excitatory amino acid (glutamate) receptor, but had no apparent effect on the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) at the NMDA receptor subtype. These effects of topiramate were concentration‑dependent over a range of 1 µM to 200 µM, with minimum activity observed at 1 µM to 10 µM.

In addition, topiramate inhibits some isoenzymes of carbonic anhydrase. This pharmacologic effect is much weaker than that of acetazolamide, a known carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, and is not thought to be a major component of topiramate's antiepileptic activity.

In animal studies, topiramate exhibits anticonvulsant activity in rat and mouse maximal electroshock seizure (MES) tests and is effective in rodent models of epilepsy, which include tonic and absence‑like seizures in the spontaneous epileptic rat (SER) and tonic and clonic seizures induced in rats by kindling of the amygdala or by global ischemia. Topiramate is only weakly effective in blocking clonic seizures induced by the GABA_A receptor antagonist, pentylenetetrazole.

Studies in mice receiving concomitant administration of topiramate and carbamazepine or phenobarbital showed synergistic anticonvulsant activity, while combination with phenytoin showed additive anticonvulsant activity. In well‑controlled add‑on trials, no correlation has been demonstrated between trough plasma concentrations of topiramate and its clinical efficacy. No evidence of tolerance has been demonstrated in man.

Absence seizures

Two small one arm studies were carried out with children aged 4‑11 years old (CAPSS‑326 and TOPAMAT‑ABS‑001). One included 5 children and the other included 12 children before it was terminated early due to lack of therapeutic response. The doses used in these studies were up to approximately 12 mg/kg in study TOPAMAT‑ABS‑001 and a maximum of the lesser of 9 mg/kg/day or 400 mg/day in study CAPSS‑326. These studies do not provide sufficient evidence to reach conclusion regarding efficacy or safety in the paediatric population.

The film‑coated tablet and hard capsule formulations are bioequivalent.

The pharmacokinetic profile of topiramate compared to other AEDs shows a long plasma half‑life, linear pharmacokinetics, predominantly renal clearance, absence of significant protein binding, and lack of clinically relevant active metabolites.

Topiramate is not a potent inducer of drug metabolizing enzymes, can be administered without regard to meals, and routine monitoring of plasma topiramate concentrations is not necessary. In clinical studies, there was no consistent relationship between plasma concentrations and efficacy or adverse events.

Absorption

Topiramate is rapidly and well absorbed. Following oral administration of 100 mg topiramate to healthy subjects, a mean peak plasma concentration (C_max) of 1.5 µg/ml was achieved within 2 to 3 hours (T_max).

Based on the recovery of radioactivity from the urine the mean extent of absorption of a 100 mg oral dose of ¹⁴C‑topiramate was at least 81%. There was no clinically significant effect of food on the bioavailability of topiramate.

Distribution

Generally, 13 to 17% of topiramate is bound to plasma protein. A low capacity binding site for topiramate in/on erythrocytes that is saturable above plasma concentrations of 4 µg/ml has been observed. The volume of distribution varied inversely with the dose. The mean apparent volume of distribution was 0.80 to 0.55 l/kg for a single dose range of 100 to 1200 mg. An effect of gender on the volume of distribution was detected, with values for females circa 50% of those for males. This was attributed to the higher percent body fat in female patients and is of no clinical consequence.

Biotransformation

Topiramate is not extensively metabolized (~20%) in healthy volunteers. It is metabolized up to 50% in patients receiving concomitant antiepileptic therapy with known inducers of drug metabolizing enzymes. Six metabolites, formed through hydroxylation, hydrolysis and glucuronidation, have been isolated, characterized and identified from plasma, urine and faeces of humans. Each metabolite represents less than 3% of the total radioactivity excreted following administration of ¹⁴C‑topiramate. Two metabolites, which retained most of the structure of topiramate, were tested and found to have little or no anticonvulsant activity.

Elimination

In humans, the major route of elimination of unchanged topiramate and its metabolites is via the kidney (at least 81% of the dose). Approximately 66% of a dose of ¹⁴C‑topiramate was excreted unchanged in the urine within four days. Following twice a day dosing with 50 mg and 100 mg of topiramate the mean renal clearance was approximately 18 ml/min and 17 ml/min, respectively. There is evidence of renal tubular reabsorption of topiramate. This is supported by studies in rats where topiramate was co‑administered with probenecid, and a significant increase in renal clearance of topiramate was observed. Overall, plasma clearance is approximately 20 to 30 ml/min in humans following oral administration.

Linearity/non‑linearity

Topiramate exhibits low intersubject variability in plasma concentrations and, therefore, has predictable pharmacokinetics. The pharmacokinetics of topiramate are linear with plasma clearance remaining constant and area under the plasma concentration curve increasing in a dose‑proportional manner over a 100 to 400 mg single oral dose range in healthy subjects. Patients with normal renal function may take 4 to 8 days to reach steady‑state plasma concentrations. The mean C_max following multiple, twice a day oral doses of 100 mg to healthy subjects was 6.76 µg/ml. Following administration of multiple doses of 50 mg and 100 mg of topiramate twice a day, the mean plasma elimination half‑life was approximately 21 hours.

Use with other AEDs

Concomitant multiple‑dose administration of topiramate, 100 to 400 mg twice a day, with phenytoin or carbamazepine shows dose proportional increases in plasma concentrations of topiramate.

Renal impairment

The plasma and renal clearance of topiramate are decreased in patients with moderate and severe impaired renal function (CL_CR ≤ 70 ml/min). As a result, higher steady‑state topiramate plasma concentrations are expected for a given dose in renal‑impaired patients as compared to those with normal renal function. In addition, patients with renal impairment will require a longer time to reach steady‑state at each dose. In patients with moderate and severe renal impairment, half of the usual starting and maintenance dose is recommended.

Topiramate is effectively removed from plasma by haemodialysis. A prolonged period of hemodialysis may cause topiramate concentration to fall below levels that are required to maintain an anti‑seizure effect. To avoid rapid drops in topiramate plasma concentration during hemodialysis, a supplemental dose of topiramate may be required. The actual adjustment should take into account 1) the duration of dialysis period, 2) the clearance rate of the dialysis system being used, and 3) the effective renal clearance of topiramate in the patient being dialyzed.

Hepatic impairment

Plasma clearance of topiramate decreased a mean of 26% in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Therefore, topiramate should be administered with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.

Elderly population

Plasma clearance of topiramate is unchanged in elderly subjects in the absence of underlying renal disease.

Paediatric population (pharmacokinetics, up to 12 years of age)

The pharmacokinetics of topiramate in children, as in adults receiving add‑on therapy, are linear, with clearance independent of dose and steady-state plasma concentrations increasing in proportion to dose. Children, however, have a higher clearance and a shorter elimination half‑life. Consequently, the plasma concentrations of topiramate for the same mg/kg dose may be lower in children compared to adults. As in adults, hepatic enzyme inducing AEDs decrease the steady‑state plasma concentrations.

In nonclinical studies of fertility, despite maternal and paternal toxicity as low as 8 mg/kg/day, no effects on fertility were observed, in male or female rats with doses up to 100 mg/kg/day.

In preclinical studies, topiramate has been shown to have teratogenic effects in the species studied (mice, rats and rabbits). In mice, fetal weights and skeletal ossification were reduced at 500 mg/kg/day in conjunction with maternal toxicity. Overall numbers of fetal malformations in mice were increased for all drug‑treated groups (20, 100 and 500 mg/kg/day).

In rats, dosage‑related maternal and embryo/fetal toxicity (reduced fetal weights and/or skeletal ossification) were observed down to 20 mg/kg/day with teratogenic effects (limb and digit defects) at 400 mg/kg/day and above. In rabbits, dosage‑related maternal toxicity was noted down to 10 mg/kg/day with embryo/fetal toxicity (increased lethality) down to 35 mg/kg/day, and teratogenic effects (rib and vertebral malformations) at 120 mg/kg/day.

The teratogenic effects seen in rats and rabbits were similar to those seen with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, which have not been associated with malformations in humans. Effects on growth were also indicated by lower weights at birth and during lactation for pups from female rats treated with 20 or 100 mg/kg/day during gestation and lactation. In rats, topiramate crosses the placental barrier.

In juvenile rats, daily oral administration of topiramate at doses up to 300 mg/kg/day during the period of development corresponding to infancy, childhood, and adolescence resulted in toxicities similar to those in adult animals (decreased food consumption with decreased body weight gain, centrolobullar hepatocellular hypertrophy). There were no relevant effects on long bone (tibia) growth or bone (femur) mineral density, preweaning and reproductive development, neurological development (including assessments on memory and learning), mating and fertility or hysterotomy parameters.

In a battery of in vitro and in vivo mutagenicity assays, topiramate did not show genotoxic potential.

Sugar spheres (maize starch, sucrose), Povidone, Cellulose acetate

Capsule

Gelatine, Titanium dioxide (E171)

Printing ink

Black ink (iron oxide black (E172), shellac and propylene glycol).

Not applicable.

Do not store above 30°C. Keep the bottle tightly closed to protect the capsules from moisture.

Opaque plastic bottle of HDPE with tamper‑evident closure containing 20, 28, 60 or 100 capsules with granules.

No special requirements.