Carbamazepine

Indication

Carbamazepine is indicated for

• partial and secondary generalized tonicclonic

Seizures

• primary generalized tonic-clonic

Seizures

• trigeminal neuralgia

• prophylaxis of bipolar disorder

 is indicated for

• partial and secondary generalized tonicclonic

Seizures

• primary generalized tonic-clonic

Seizures

• trigeminal neuralgia

• prophylaxis of bipolar disorder

Dosage & Administration

 Epilepsy:

Adults and children over 12 years of age - Initial: Either 200 mg b.i.d. for tablets and XR tablets, or 1 teaspoon q.i.d. for suspension (400 mg/day).

Maintenance: usually 800-1200 mg daily. Children 6-12 years of age - Initial: Either 100 mg b.i.d. for tablets or XR tablets,

Contraindication & Precaution

 This medicine should not be used if anybody is allergic to one or any of its ingredients. It cannot be used also in the following conditions:

• Problems with the electrical message

pathways in the heart (atrioventricular

block).

. History of decreased blood cell production

by the bone marrow (bone marrow

depression).

• Hereditary blood disorders called

porphyrias.

• Allergy to tricyclic antidepressants, eg

amitriptyline.

• People who have taken a monoamineoxidase

inhibitor antidepressant (MAOI) in

the last 14 days.

Side Effect

Dizziness, drowsiness, ataxia, dry mouth, abdominal pain, nausea,

vomiting, anorexia, leucopenia, proteinuria, bradycardia, heart failure and hypotension. Erythematous skin rash, aplastic anemia may also be observed.

Use in Pregnancy & Lactation

 Pregnancy category D. Carbamazepine and its epoxide metabolite are transferred to breast milk. Because of the potential serious side Effects, decision should me made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the

drug.

Preparation

 200 mg Tablet, 200 mg CR Tablet, 100 mg/5 ml (100 ml) Suspension.