OXCARBAZEPINE

It is a keto analog of carbamazepine.

Indications

Partial seizure in adults or children (4-16 years) with epilepsy.

Dosage

Adults : Start with 300mg twice a day when used either as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy. Dose range : 600 - 1200mg/day in two divided doses. Pediatrics : Initiate treatment at a daily dose of 8-10mg kg (not to exceed 600mg/day) into 2 divided doses.

Contra-Indications

Patients with known hypersensitivity to oxcarbazepine or any of its components

Special Precautions

Clinically significant hyponatremia can develop with oxcarbazepine use. Oxcarbazepine should be withdrawn gradually to minimise the potential for seizure occurence.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, somnolence diplopia, abdominal pain, tremor, fatigue, dyspepsia. Ataxia, abnormal vision, abnormal gait.

Drug Interactions

Phenytoin : Oxcarbazepine with phenytoin/phenobarbitol can increase their levels by 40%/15%. Oral contraceptives: Efficacy of oral contraceptives, specially those containing ethinyl estradiol & levonorgestrol, can be reduced. Calcium channel blockers : If given along with oxcarbazepine, levels of felodipine or verapamil can be reduced.