provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Rufinamide Coupon - Rufinamide 400mg tablet

rufinamide

Generic Banzel
Used for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Used for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Rufinamide (Banzel) is an antiepileptic medication that helps control seizures due to a type of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). It's approved as add-on treatment to other anti-seizure medications for adults and children 1 year of age and older. Rufinamide (Banzel) is typically taken by mouth twice a day. It comes in tablet and oral suspension form. Rufinamide (Banzel) isn't a controlled substance, but it commonly causes drowsiness and vomiting as side effects.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Aileen Chu, PharmD, BCPS
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on January 5, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Rufinamide (Banzel)?

What is Rufinamide (Banzel) used for?

How Rufinamide (Banzel) works

Rufinamide (Banzel) is an antiepileptic or anti-seizure medication. It's not clear exactly how it works to treat seizures. But we know that the medication slows down the activity of sodium channels in the brain. This might help calm down brain activity, which can help prevent seizures.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBanzel
Drug ClassAntiepileptic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$3422.40(save 98.34%)
GoodRx discount
$56.66
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Rufinamide (Banzel)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Children (age 1 to younger than 4 years old)
  • Vomiting (24%)
  • Drowsiness (16%)
  • Bronchitis (12%)
  • Constipation (12%)
  • Cough (12%)
  • Low appetite (12%)
  • Rash (12%)
Children (age 3 to younger than 17 years old)
  • Drowsiness (17%)
  • Vomiting (17%)
  • Headache (16%)
  • Tiredness (9%)
  • Dizziness (8%)
  • Nausea (7%)
Adults
  • Headache (27%)
  • Dizziness (19%)
  • Tiredness (16%)
  • Nausea (12%)
  • Drowsiness (11%)

Other Side Effects

Children
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Cold symptoms
  • Difficulty with movement or coordination
  • Double vision
  • Low appetite
  • Rash
  • Ear infection
Adults
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Indigestion (upset stomach)
  • Stomach pain
  • Back pain
  • Uncontrolled shaking (tremor)
  • Problems with movement, coordination, or walking
  • Anxiety
  • Changes in vision (e.g., double vision, blurred vision)
  • Eye twitching

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Dizziness

shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

uncontrolled eye movements

Less common

Attack, assault, or force

black, tarry stools

chest pain

chills

cough

cough producing mucus

diarrhea

difficult or painful urination

difficulty with breathing

dizziness or lightheadedness

fear or nervousness

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

fever

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

joint pain

loss of appetite

muscle aches and pains

nausea

pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones

rash

restlessness

sensation of spinning

shakiness and unsteady walk

shivering

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stuffy or runny nose

sweating

swollen glands

tightness in the chest

trouble sitting still

trouble sleeping

trouble walking

unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Rare

Bleeding gums

blood in the urine or stools

burning while urinating

fainting

frequent urination

inability to hold urine

increased urge to urinate during the night

increased volume of pale, dilute urine

lower back or side pain

pale skin

pinpoint red spots on the skin

pounding, slow heartbeat

sore tongue

swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin

troubled breathing with exertion

waking to urinate at night

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Blurred vision

double vision

seeing double

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

back pain

belching

change in hearing

decreased appetite

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

ear drainage

earache or pain in the ear

heartburn

indigestion

itching skin

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

upper abdominal or stomach pain

Rare

Increased appetite

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Rufinamide (Banzel)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to lessen the number of seizures in a month if you have Lennox–Gastaut syndrome

Can give to children 1 year of age and older

Comes as an orange-flavored suspension if you have trouble swallowing pills

Not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have strict regulations from the government

thumbs-down

Cons

Must take with other anti-seizure medications (not by itself)

Only used for seizures from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome; not for other seizure conditions

Must take with food to help the body fully absorb the medication

Can cause drowsiness

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Rufinamide (Banzel)

pharmacist

  • You'll first start taking rufinamide (Banzel) at a low dose. Your prescriber might have a dosing schedule for you to follow so that you take a slightly higher dose every other day until you get to the dose that's right for you. Follow up with your prescriber about how often you're having seizures and what side effects you have to help with dose adjustments.

    • Always take rufinamide (Banzel) with food so that your body absorbs it fully. If you take it on an empty stomach, you might not get the full effect of the medication.

      • If you or your child has difficulty swallowing pills, you can cut the tablets in half with a pill splitter or crush them. You can also ask the prescriber for the liquid form of rufinamide (Banzel).

        • Rufinamide (Banzel) can make you feel drowsy or dizzy. It can also affect your motor skills. Avoid activities that require you to be alert and coordinated, like riding a bike, driving a car, or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you. In particular, be aware of the effects of rufinamide (Banzel) when you first start taking it and after you switch to a higher dose.

          • Avoid drinking alcohol with rufinamide (Banzel). Also avoid taking other medications can make you tired while you're taking rufinamide (Banzel). It can make side effects like drowsiness and tiredness more intense.

            • Let your healthcare team know what other antiepileptic medications you're taking especially carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital, or valproate. Taking certain antiepileptic medications with rufinamide (Banzel) can affect the levels of the medications in the body. This can either cause more side effects or make them work less well. Make sure to tell your prescriber every time you start, stop, or change doses of your seizure medications.

              • Rufinamide (Banzel) can make hormonal birth control work less well. If you're sexually active and you can become pregnant, use additional nonhormonal birth control (like condoms) while you're taking rufinamide (Banzel). This will help make sure your birth control works well to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Talk to your prescriber about which nonhormonal birth control options are best for you.

                More tips for the liquid form of rufinamide (Banzel):

                • Make sure to store the suspension liquid of rufinamide (Banzel) at room temperature (don't refrigerate). Throw out any unused medication 3 months after you open the original bottle.

                  • Shake the rufinamide (Banzel) bottle well each time before you measure out your dose.

                    • Use the adapter and oral syringe that comes in the rufinamide (Banzel) box. This makes sure that you draw up the right dose of the liquid medication. Talk to your pharmacist if you're not sure about how to use these supplies. It's important that you don't use household kitchen or measuring spoons for measuring your medication out since they might not be accurate.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Rufinamide (Banzel)

                      Is rufinamide (Banzel) a controlled substance?
                      No, rufinamide (Banzel) isn't a controlled substance. It doesn't appear to have a risk for misuse or addiction.
                      Does rufinamide (Banzel) help neuropathic itch?
                      There isn't enough information to know whether rufinamide (Banzel) helps with neuropathic itch (itching due to damage to the nervous system). Some experts think that the nerve damage makes sodium channels in the nerve cells become too active. And in theory, rufinamide (Banzel) helps slow down the activity of sodium channels in nerve cells. But there are no studies looking at whether the medication actually improves neuropathic itch. And, rufinamide (Banzel) isn't FDA approved for this condition anyway. Talk to a healthcare professional about appropriate treatment options that can help if you have itchiness from nerve problems.
                      Does rufinamide (Banzel) make me sleepy?
                      Yes, rufinamide (Banzel) can make you feel sleepy. In clinical studies, almost 20% of children and about 10% of adults reported feeling sleepy as a side effect of the medication. Don't drive or do anything that you need your full attention for until you know how rufinamide (Banzel) affects you. Let your prescriber know if you become too sleepy to do your normal daily activities.
                      Does rufinamide (Banzel) cause withdrawal?
                      Rufinamide (Banzel) can cause withdrawal if you stop taking it too suddenly. This withdrawal can look like more or worse seizures. Talk to your prescriber first if you want or need to stop this medication. To avoid withdrawal seizures, your prescriber will lower your dose every few days before you can stop rufinamide (Banzel) completely.
                      Does rufinamide (Banzel) cause weight loss?
                      Weight loss isn't a typical side effect of rufinamide (Banzel). But in clinical studies, 8% of young children age 1 to 4 years old who took the medication experienced weight loss. had sometimes happen to young children who are taking rufinamide (Banzel). It's possible for weight loss to happen indirectly from some of the known side effects of rufinamide (Banzel), such as low appetite or upset stomach. Let the prescriber know if you notice concerning weight loss during treatment with rufinamide (Banzel).
                      How well does rufinamide (Banzel) work?
                      In studies, some people 4 years and older with LGS who took rufinamide (Banzel) in addition to other anti-seizure medications had about a third fewer seizures per month than before. In comparison, some people who took a placebo (no active medication) with other antiepileptics had about 12% fewer seizures per month than before. Ask your prescriber if you have questions about how well rufinamide (Banzel) is working for you.
                      Is rufinamide (Banzel) safe during pregnancy?
                      There aren't enough studies to say whether taking rufinamide (Banzel) during pregnancy is safe. Animal studies suggest that it might cause harm if it's taken during pregnancy. Your prescriber will weigh the risks and benefits for you to take rufinamide (Banzel) while you're pregnant. If you're currently pregnant and you're taking rufinamide (Banzel), it's encouraged that you enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry. This registry helps monitor how safe anti-seizure medications are during pregnancy. Enroll by visiting the website or by calling 1-888-233-2334.
                      GoodRxEducationalIcon

                      How to save using GoodRx

                      Compare Prices
                      1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                      Select your free coupon
                      2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                      Show coupon to your pharmacist
                      3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                      Get free couponLearn more
                      warings-icon

                      What are the risks and warnings for Rufinamide (Banzel)?

                      Rufinamide (Banzel) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Suicidal thoughts or behavior

                      Antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medications like rufinamide (Banzel) can raise your risk of thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior. Watch for new or worsening signs of depression and any unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months of taking this medication and when your dose changes. Report anything concerning to your prescriber. Call 911 or get medical help right away if you have thoughts of hurting yourself.

                      risk-warning

                      Drowsiness, tiredness, and difficulty controlling movements

                      Rufinamide (Banzel) can cause drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness. It can also cause dizziness and problems with movement or coordination. These side effects usually happen when you first start the medication or when you switch to a higher dose. Avoid activities that require you to be alert, such as riding a bike, driving, or operating machinery, until you know how rufinamide (Banzel) affects you.

                      risk-warning

                      Heart rhythm problems

                      • Risk factors: Familial short QT syndrome | Taking other medications that can also shorten the QT interval (a specific change in the electrical activity of your heart)

                        Rufinamide (Banzel) can cause changes to the electrical activity of your heart. It makes the heart muscle recharge faster than usual between beats. This is known as QT shortening, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and abnormal heart rhythms.

                        Tell your prescriber if you've had any heart rhythm problems. You can't take rufinamide (Banzel) if you have a genetic heart condition called familial short QT syndrome. This is because you're at higher risk for potentially life-threatening irregular heart rhythm.

                        Also make sure your healthcare team knows about all the medications you take. They can help you watch out for possibly dangerous drug interactions with rufinamide (Banzel). For example, certain medications, such as primidone (Mysoline), lamotrigine (Lamictal), and phenytoin (Dilantin), can raise your risk for QT shortening because they cause similar changes to the electrical activity of the heart as rufinamide (Banzel).

                        risk-warning

                        Severe allergic reaction

                        Some people who've taken rufinamide (Banzel) have had a severe allergic reaction called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). This allergic reaction cause symptoms like fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, or swelling of the face or mouth. It can also lead to low blood cell counts and damage to important organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. Stop taking rufinamide (Banzel) and Gget medical attention as soon as possible if you notice any signs of a serious allergic reaction.

                        risk-warning

                        Seizures after stopping the medication too quickly

                        Don't stop taking rufinamide (Banzel) without talking to your prescriber first. You shouldn't stop taking antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medications like rufinamide (Banzel) too suddenly. It can lead to seizures due to medication withdrawal. Speak with your prescriber if you'd like to stop taking rufinamide (Banzel) or if it's necessary to stop taking it. Your prescriber will instruct you on how to lower your dose slowly over time.

                        risk-warning

                        Life-threatening seizure complication (status epilepticus)

                        In clinical studies, a few people who took rufinamide (Banzel) experienced status epilepticus, which is a seizure attack that lasts a long time and is life-threatening. In general, it's a good idea to have a plan with family and friends about how to help (and when to call 911) during a seizure attack if you or your child has epilepsy or a seizure condition.

                        risk-warning

                        Low white blood cell counts

                        Rufinamide (Banzel) can lower your white blood cell counts. This can make it harder for your body to fight off infections. Let your prescriber know if you're getting sick more than usual or if any infections last longer than normal.

                        dosage

                        Rufinamide (Banzel) dosage forms

                        The average cost for 120 tablets of 400mg of Rufinamide (Banzel) is $124.40 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 96.37% off the average retail price of $3422.40.
                        ml of oral suspension
                        Ml of oral suspension
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        40mg/ml460 ml$114.90$0.25
                        tablet
                        Tablet
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        200mg60 tablets$56.66$0.94
                        400mg120 tablets$124.40$1.04

                        Typical dosing for Rufinamide (Banzel)

                        • Age 1 year to younger than 17 years: The dose depends on your child's weight. The typical starting dose is 5 mg/kg of body weight by mouth twice a day. The prescriber will raise the dose every other day up to the maximum dose of 22.5 mg/kg twice daily (or a maximum of 3,200 mg per day).

                        • Age 17 years and older: The typical starting dose is 200 mg to 400 mg by mouth twice a day. The prescriber will raise the dose every other day up to the maximum dose of 1,600 mg twice a day (total maximum of 3,200 mg per day).

                        Your dose might differ if you're on dialysis or if you're also taking valproate.

                        interactions

                        Interactions between Rufinamide (Banzel) and other drugs

                        Rufinamide (Banzel) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Rufinamide (Banzel). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                        Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                        drug-cost

                        How much does Rufinamide (Banzel) cost?

                        To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                        Banzel (brand)
                        GoodRx lowest price

                        $56.66

                        (save 98.49%)
                        Rufinamide (Banzel) (generic)
                        GoodRx lowest price

                        $56.66

                        (save 98.34%)
                        View prices & coupons
                        contraindications-icon

                        Rufinamide (Banzel) contraindications

                        Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Rufinamide (Banzel) will not be safe for you to take.
                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Rufinamide (Banzel)?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rufinamide (Banzel). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Rufinamide (Banzel)
                        Used for:
                        $56.66 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Felbamate (Felbatol)
                        Used for:

                        • Partial seizures in adults with epilepsy

                        • Seizures linked to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in children - add-on treatment

                        $71.24 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Clobazam (Onfi)
                        Used for:

                        • Treatment of seizures from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in people ages 2 years and older (as an add-on to other anti-seizure medications)

                        $29.49 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        images

                        Rufinamide (Banzel) images

                        Pink Oval H And R 8 - Rufinamide 400mg Tablet
                        This medicine is Pink, Oval, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "H" And "R 8".Pink Oval H And R 8 - Rufinamide 400mg Tablet
                        Pink Oblong E 30 - Rufinamide 400mg Tablet
                        This medicine is Pink, Oblong, Scored Tablet Imprinted With "E 30".Pink Oblong E 30 - Rufinamide 400mg Tablet

                        Get savings updates for Rufinamide (Banzel)

                        Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Rufinamide (Banzel) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                        By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                        References

                        Best studies we found

                        Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). PROTECT your child: Use the right tool to give the right dose.

                        Fountain, N. B. (2015). The new role of the DEA in epilepsy. Epilepsy Foundation.

                        Kwatra, S. G., et al. (2023). Neuropathic pruritus. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

                        View All References (10)

                        Kwatra, S. G., et al. (2024). United States expert panel consensus on uniform nomenclature and diagnosis for neuropathic pruritus. Itch.

                        Laue-Gizzi, H. (2021). Discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs in adults with epilepsy. Australian Prescriber.

                        Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Rufinamide tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        MedlinePlus. (2013). Short QT syndrome.

                        MedlinePlus. (2023). Weight loss - unintentional.

                        National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2018). Hemodialysis.

                        NorthStar RxLLC. (2024). Rufinamide- rufinamide suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.

                        Pereira, M. P., et al. (2021). Neuropathic itch: Routes to clinical diagnosis. Frontiers in Medicine.

                        Sharawat, I. K., et al. (2021). Efficacy and safety of rufinamide as adjunctive therapy in patients with Lennox Gastaut syndrome: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Seizure.

                        Tisdale, J. E., et al. (2020). Drug-induced arrhythmias: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation.

                        GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                        Was this page helpful?

                        Browse medications

                        View All

                        Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.