Information about Carbamazepine

Generic Name : Carbamazepine
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Carbamazepine are provided here.

Pronunciation : kar ba maz' e peen

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Carbamazepine, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

ICD Code : Y46.6 Therapeutic Classification : Anticonvulsants

Trade Names/Brand Names of Carbamazepine

India :

More info >>>

International :

Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol

Why is Carbamazepine Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an anticonvulsant drug, prescribed for epilepsy and bipolar disorder, as well as trigeminal neuralgia. It works by reducing or blocking certain responses in the brain.

When should Carbamazepine not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with bone marrow depression, co administration with nefazodone, MAOIs or within last 14 days and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Carbamazepine?

Adult: PO Epilepsy Initial: 100-200 mg 1-2 times/day, may increase slowly. Maintenance: 0.8-1.2 g/day in divided doses. Max: 2 g/day.
Prophylaxis of bipolar disorder Initial: 400 mg/day in divided doses may increase slowly. Maintenance: 400-600 mg/day. Max: 1.6 g/day.
Trigeminal neuralgia Initial: 100 mg 1-2 times/day, may increase slowly. Maintenance: 400-800 mg/day in 2-4 divided doses. Max: 1.2 g/day.
Rectal Epilepsy -250 mg 6 hourly.
Children 6-12 years of age – Initial- Either 100 mg b.i.d. for tablets or XR tablets, or ½ teaspoon q.i.d. for suspension (200 mg/day).
Children 6 years of age – Initial- 10-20 mg/kg/day b.i.d. or t.i.d. as tablets, or q.i.d. as suspension.

How should Carbamazepine be taken?

It comes as a capsule to take by mouth, with food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Carbamazepine?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of increased eye pressure, psychosis, heart, kidney, thyroid or liver diseases, mood or mental problems, suicidal thoughts, seizures, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breast feeding.

• It may cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid alcohol consumption.

• Patients may develop with increased risk of suicidal thoughts, watch them carefully.

• Avoid changing the medication form (tablet to suspension) without healthcare provider’s advice.

• It may decrease the effect of hormonal birth control pills; use other methods to prevent pregnancy.

What are the side effects of Carbamazepine?

Most frequent - Dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea and vomiting.
Blood - Anemia, decrease in blood cell counts and bruising.
♦ Skin - Skin disorder, itching, redness, rash, hives, photosensitivity reactions, pigmentation, inflammation, hair loss, increased sweating and Onychomadesis.
Heart - Congestive heart failure, swelling, high/low blood pressure, fainting, collapse, vein inflammation, blood clots in vein and swollen glands.
Liver- Abnormalities in liver function tests, jaundice and liver inflammation.
Respiratory - Fever, difficulty in breathing or pneumonia due to allergic reactions.
Genitourinary - Urinary frequency, urinary retention, elevation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), kidney failure and impotence.
Gastrointestinal - Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, dryness of the mouth and pharynx and mouth ulcer.

What are the other precautions for Carbamazepine?

Avoid contact with people with any infection.
It may reduce platelet counts, avoid injury or bruising.
Avoid exposure to sunlight; otherwise it may lead to sunburn.