Oxcarbazepine - Drug Information
Generic Name : Oxcarbazepine
Pronunciation : OX-kar-BAZ-e-peen
ICD Code : Y46.6 | Therapeutic Classification : Anticonvulsants
Trade Name(s) :
India - Oxmazetol-SR (600 mg), Exep, Oleptal DT, Oxzey, Oxep (150mg), Oxeptal, Oxana FC, Oxital, Oxcazo, Carbox, Oxmazetol-SR, Oleptal OD, Ox -Mezetol, Seizurone OX, Oxpine (150mg), Mezalog, Oxrate (150 mg), Oxcarb (150mg), Oxetol (150mg), Oxycarb, Zepox (150mg), Selzic (150mg), Oxcarb (300 mg), Oxep (300 mg), Mezalog (300 mg), Oxrate (300 mg), Oxital (300 mg), Oxetol (300 mg), Oleptal DT (300 mg), Oxzey 300International - Trileptal.
Why is Oxcarbazepine Prescribed? (Indications)
This medication is an anticonvulsant, prescribed for partial seizure disorders in epileptic children and adults, either alone or with other medication. It reduces anxiety and mood disorders. It also controls benign motor tics (sudden movements in body lasting for a short period of time). It slows down the abnormal nerve impulses in the brain.
When should Oxcarbazepine not to be taken? (Contraindications)
Hypersensitivity.What is the dosage of Oxcarbazepine?
Adult: Initial- 600 mg/day in 2 divided doses; increase the dose gradually depending on response. Maintenance: 600-1,200 mg/day, up to 2.4 g/day in adjunct therapy or refractory patients switched from other anticonvulsants.
How should Oxcarbazepine be taken?
It comes as a tablet, and a suspension is administered through mouth. It is usually taken two times per day with or without food.
What are the warnings and precautions for Oxcarbazepine?
*Cross-sensitivity to carbamazepine may occur.*Avoid abrupt withdrawal.
*Caution needed for patients with history of liver or kidney disease, patients at risk of hyponatraemia (Decreased sodium level in the blood), pregnancy.
* It may make you drowsy or dizzy, or may cause vision changes.
*Do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.
What are the side effects of Oxcarbazepine?
Most Common- Dizziness, drowsiness, double vision, running nose, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, ataxia, abnormal vision, sore throat, abdominal pain, tremor, indigestion, abnormal gait.Body as a Whole- Weakness, swelling in the legs, weight increase.
Heart- Low blood pressure
Gastrointestinal- Diarrhea, constipation, inflammation of stomach.
♦ Metabolic- Decreased sodium level in blood and thyroid.
Musculoskeletal- Muscle weakness, and sprain.
Central Nervous System- Headache, involuntary eye movement, gait, sleeplessness, tremor, nervousness, agitation, poor co-ordination, EEG abnormal, speech disorder, confusion, injury to the brain, tremor, abnormal thinking.
Respiratory- Inflammation of nose.
Skin- Pimple
Potentially Fatal- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (rashes in skin and mucous membrane), toxic epidermal cell death, anaphylaxis (allergic reaction) and rapid swelling of skin.