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Overview: Diacomit is used to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome. Common side effects include drowsiness, trouble with balance or coordination, muscle weakness, nausea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Diacomit affects you. Diacomit is available as a powder that is mixed into liquid and swallowed if you have trouble swallowing capsules. Do not stop this medicine without talking with your health care provider.

Uses

What is Diacomit used for?

Diacomit (stiripentol) is commonly used to treat seizures associated with Dravet syndrome.

Diacomit may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Diacomit work (mechanism of action)?

Seizures happen when too many nerve signals are sent between brain cells too quickly. Diacomit is thought to work by slowing down overactive brain signals and making seizures less likely.

How is Diacomit supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Diacomit

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 250 mg oral capsules
  • 500 mg oral capsules
  • 250 mg/packet of powder for oral suspension
  • 500 mg/packet of powder for oral suspension

How should I store Diacomit?

Diacomit should be stored in the original container at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from light. Do not open the powder packets to make the oral liquid until you are ready to take a dose.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Diacomit?

The most common side effects of Diacomit are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Sleepiness 
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss (see below)
  • Feeling agitated
  • Trouble with balance or coordination
  • Muscle weakness
  • Nausea
  • Tremor 
  • Trouble saying words clearly
  • Trouble sleeping

There may be other side effects of Diacomit that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Diacomit?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Diacomit are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Diacomit can make you sleepy, so it can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Diacomit affects you.

Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss. Diacomit commonly causes loss of appetite and weight loss, both of which may be severe. Contact your health care provider if you lose weight, cannot eat, or do not want to eat. Keep all appointments with your health care provider. For children, both height and weight will be checked.

Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia). Diacomit may cause low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low neutrophil levels.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Severely Low Platelet Levels. Diacomit can cause you to have a severely low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels.

  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Bleeding that does not stop
  • Nosebleeds

Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Diacomit may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior

Severe Allergic Reactions. Diacomit may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Diacomit?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Diacomit.

  • Diacomit
  • Stiripentol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Diacomit.

What should I know about Diacomit before using it?

Do not take Diacomit unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

If you are taking the capsule, take it with a full glass of water. Swallow it whole. Do not break or crush the capsule.

If you are taking the powder for oral suspension, mix your dose of Diacomit in a glass of water and drink it right away. To make sure all of the medicine is taken, add a small amount of water to the glass and drink that too.

Do not share Diacomit with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Diacomit out of the reach of children.

While Diacomit helps make seizures less likely, it does not cure them. Do not stop taking Diacomit without talking to your health care provider. Stopping Diacomit suddenly may cause an increase in seizure activity, which can be serious.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Diacomit?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Diacomit is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Phenylketonuria. Diacomit powder that is mixed in liquid has phenylalanine. Tell your health care provider if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Phenylalanine can be harmful to people with PKU. The capsule form of Diacomit does not have phenylalanine.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Blood problems, such as low levels of white blood cells or platelets
  • Mental health problems
  • Drink alcohol

Other Medicines and Supplements. Diacomit may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Diacomit, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Diacomit could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Diacomit while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Diacomit, you can sign up for the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 888-233-2334 or at www.aedpregnancyregistry.org. This registry collects safety information about the use of seizure medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Diacomit passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Diacomit while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Diacomit?

For more information about Diacomit, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.diacomit.com or call them at 844-651-8040.

Interactions

Does Diacomit interact with foods or drinks?

Diacomit should be taken with a meal.

Diacomit can affect caffeine (a mild stimulant commonly found in coffee, tea, and sodas), causing it to have more or less of an effect. Ask your health care provider if it is safe to have caffeine while taking this medicine.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Diacomit. The risk of dizziness and drowsiness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking Diacomit. It is best to avoid alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

Does Diacomit interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Diacomit.

  • Clopidogrel (Plavix), which is a medicine used to prevent blood clots
  • Methotrexate (Trexall and others), which is a medicine commonly used for rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of cancer
  • Theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24), which is a medicine for asthma or certain other breathing problems
  • Sertraline, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • Quinidine, which is a medicine used to treat malaria or control your heart rate or rhythm 
  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Diacomit, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Diacomit. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Diacomit?

If you or someone else has used too much Diacomit, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Diacomit?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.