Oxcarbazepine

Q: What should I inform the doctor before taking this medicine?

If you are allergic to this medicine , If you have kidney or severe liver or heart problems , If you are taking other medicines that can lower sodium levels in the blood (e.g. Diuretics, Desmopressin and Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Indometacin) , If you are using hormonal contraceptives

Molecule Description

Oxcarbazepine is an oral medicine used to treat a specific type of seizure, cal

led partial seizure, in people who have epilepsy. It is an anticonvulsant or an antiepileptic medicine.

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Oxcarbazepine

Treat partial and complex partial seizures in patients with epilepsy
Treatment of bipolar disorder (acts as a mood-stabilizing agent)
Diabetic Neuropathic pain
Neuralgia/ neuropathy

Contraindications of Oxcarbazepine

When should one not use Oxcarbazepine

If known allergic to the Oxcarbazepine
Patients with a history of atrioventricular block

Side effects of Oxcarbazepine

Common side effects of this drug are:

Change in vision
Change in walking or balance
Clumsiness or unsteadiness
Cough, fever, sneezing or sore throat
Crying
Dizziness
Double vision
False sense of well-being
Feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
Mental depression
Sensation of spinning
Uncontrolled back-and-forth or rolling eye movements
Hyponatremia (low sodium levels)
Due to low sodium levels in the blood include: frequent seizures, trouble in swallowing and breathing, severe muscle pain, unusual bruising or bleeding, panic attack, feeling agitated or restless

Precautions and Warnings of Oxcarbazepine

Pregnancy

Can I take Oxcarbazepine during pregnancy?

It is essential to control epileptic seizures during pregnancy. However, there may be a risk to your baby if you take antiepileptic medicines during pregnancy. Your doctor will tell you the benefits and potential risks involved and help you to decide whether you should take Oxcarbazepine.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Oxcarbazepine while breastfeeding?

Oxcarbazepine passes into breast milk. This could cause side effects in breastfed babies. Ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Oxcarbazepine?

It may make you feel sleepy or dizzy or may cause blurred vision, double vision, lack of muscle coordination or a depressed level of consciousness, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. Do not drive when taking this medicine.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Oxcarbazepine?

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine as you will feel exhausted.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

If you have kidney disease
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to Carbamazepine
Birth control pills may not work while you are using Oxcarbazepine. To avoid pregnancy, use another form of birth control. Other types include condoms, a diaphragm or contraceptive foam or jelly

Mode of Action of Oxcarbazepine

How Does It Work?

This medicine stabilizes neuronal membranes by blocking Na+ channels and slows down the abnormal nerve impulses in the brain and thus helps treat epilepsy.

Interactions of Oxcarbazepine

Interactions with other medicines

Anti-cancer medicines like Ibrutinib
Antianginal like Ranolazine
HIV medications like Tenofavir
Hepatitis C medicine like Ritonavir
Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, Carbamazepine, etc

Dietary Restrictions of Oxcarbazepine

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your regular diet.

Dosage of Oxcarbazepine

Overdose

Call immediately to the doctor if you suspect an overdose. Symptoms of overdose are low levels of sodium in the blood, anger, agitation, being confused, drowsiness or sleepiness, dizziness, feeling si...

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your subsequent scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Abhishek B L

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long the medicine stays in the body?

A: Half-life of medicine is 9-11 hours and can stay up to 18-22 hours in the body.

Q: Can I use this medicine in children?

A: Oxcarbazepine is not recommended for children under six years old since it is not a safe and effective treatment in this age group.

Q: What should I inform the doctor before taking this medicine?

If you are allergic to this medicine
If you have kidney or severe liver or heart problems
If you are taking other medicines that can lower sodium levels in the blood (e.g. Diuretics, Desmopressin and Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) such as Indometacin)
If you are using hormonal contraceptives

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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