Diacomit (stiripentol) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain types of seizures in adults and some children. Diacomit comes as an oral capsule and a powder for liquid suspension that’s typically taken 2 to 3 times per day.
Diacomit is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat seizures due to Dravet
syndrome (a rare type of epilepsy). It’s prescribed along with clobazam (another medication for seizures).
Diacomit belongs to a drug class called anticonvulsants. Diacomit isn’t available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Diacomit, including its strengths and how to take the medication. For a comprehensive look at Diacomit, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Diacomit provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Diacomit, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Read below for recommended dosages of Diacomit and other details about the drug.
Diacomit forms
Diacomit comes in two forms:
- oral capsule
- powder for liquid suspension
Diacomit strengths
Diacomit capsules and powder for liquid suspension come in two strengths: 250 milligrams (mg) and 500 mg.
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
Dosage for seizures due to Dravet syndrome
Doctors may prescribe Diacomit to treat seizures due to Dravet syndrome. The drug is prescribed along with clobazam.
If your doctor prescribes Diacomit for you, your dose will be based on your body weight in kilograms (kg). One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). Your doctor will calculate your dosage. The recommended dosage is 50 milligrams per kilogram per day (mg/kg/day). This amount is given as 2 or 3 divided doses, depending on your age and body weight. For example, your doctor might recommend that you take 16.67 mg/kg three times per day or 25 mg/kg twice per day. The maximum dose of Diacomit that’s recommended is 3,000 mg per day. For details, see the “How to take Diacomit” section below.
For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Children’s dosage
Diacomit is approved to treat seizures due to Dravet syndrome in children ages 6 months and older who weigh at least 7 kg (15.4 Ib).
The dosage is based on the child’s body weight in kg. One kg equals about 2.2 lb. The dosage per kg is measured in mg/kg and is calculated by your child’s doctor.
The table below lists the typical dosing schedule for children taking Diacomit.
| Age | Body weight | Dosage | Total daily dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months to less than 1 year | 7 kg or more | 25 mg/kg twice per day | 50 mg/kg/day |
| 1 year and older | 7 kg to less than 10 kg | 25 mg/kg twice per day | 50 mg/kg/day |
| 1 year and older | 10 kg or more | 25 mg/kg twice per day or 16.67 mg/kg three times per day | 50 mg/kg/day |
Talk with your child’s doctor if you have questions about their dosage.
How to take Diacomit
Diacomit comes in two forms: an oral capsule that you swallow whole and a powder that you mix with water and swallow. Do not divide, crush, chew, or place the capsules in water.
If your doctor prescribes Diacomit powder for liquid suspension, mix the powder with water in a glass and drink it right away. Follow the manufacturer’s detailed instructions for how to mix and take your dose.
Be sure to take your dose with a meal around the same time each day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Diacomit can work effectively.
If you miss a dose of Diacomit, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip
the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed one.
To get the correct dosage, your doctor may need to prescribe two different strengths of Diacomit for you. Be sure to check the capsules or powder packets before mixing to ensure you’re taking the correct amount.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have more questions about how to take Diacomit, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Long-term treatment
Diacomit is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Diacomit is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Before you start taking Diacomit, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Diacomit capsules in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
It’s important that you do not take more Diacomit than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Diacomit
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Diacomit. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.