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Overview

Oxcarbazepine

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Oxcarbazepine

Oxcarbazepine acts as an anticonvulsant, and helps treat particular seizures in individuals who suffer from epilepsy. The doctor may either prescribe only this drug, or prescribe it with other drugs. Oxcarbazepine slows down abnormal brain nerve impulses, thus treating seizures.

The medication is meant for oral consumption and can be taken before or after a meal. The dosage should be taken on time and at regular intervals. Suddenly discontinuing the drug can lead to an onset of seizures. Thus, Oxcarbazepine should be gradually stopped if the need arises.

The drug can lead to certain side effects which include - dizzy spells, feeling sleepy, confusion and problems with coordination. It can also cause diarrhea, indigestion, pain the stomach and vomiting. In case of the following severe reactions to the drug immediate medical help should be opted for-

  • Allergic reaction
  • Severe chest pain
  • Appearance of blood in stool
  • Double vision
  • Anxiety and sudden mood changes
  • Tremor in hands and feet

In case of any other reaction to the drug seek medical aid as well. It is also important that certain safety measures are taken when on Oxcarbazepine. For instance, one should avoid driving or very sudden movement as dizziness can result. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided.

The drug can lead to a severe skin reaction in case of many individuals, especially those who have the HLA-B*1502 gene type. In this case seek treatment from your doctor immediately. The drug should preferably not be taken by pregnant women or breast feeding mothers as it can harm the child.

Oxcarbazepine should be stored at approximately 25 degree Celsius. The drug should not come in contact with heat and moisture as well as light. Oxcarbazepine should be kept away from children and pets too.

Hormonal contraceptives may be less effective when used with Oxcarbazepine; caution should be exercised if alcohol is taken with Oxcarbazepine, due to the possible additive sedative effects and that it may cause dizziness and somnolence; therefore, early in therapy be advised not to drive or operate machinery.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Oxcarbazepine

    • Epilepsy

      Oxcarbazepine is used in the treatment of Epilepsy which is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. Uncontrolled jerking movements and loss of consciousness are some of the symptoms of Epilepsy.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Oxcarbazepine ?

    • Allergy

      Avoid if you have a known history of allergy to Oxcarbazepine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Oxcarbazepine ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Oxcarbazepine

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 6 hours for an immediate release tablet and 24 hours for an extended release tablet.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 4 to 6 hours.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine is recommended for pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendency has been reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is known to excreted through breast milk. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine. Monitoring of undesired effects like drowsiness, adequate weight gain is necessary.

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      It is unsafe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      This medicine might affect the consciousness of the patient. Thus driving must be avoided while taking this medicine.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Caution must be taken while using this medicine in patients with kidney function. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Therapy should be initiated at one-half the usual starting dose (300 mg/day) and increased slowly to achieve the desired clinical response. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      Caution must be taken while using this medicine in patient with liver function. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      If you miss a dose of Oxcarbazepine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Oxcarbazepine approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Oxcarbazepine

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Oxcarbazepine as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    Oxcarbazepine belongs to the class anticonvulsant. It works by reducing the excitation of the brain cells by inhibiting the sodium channels thus inhibits the repetitive firing of brain cells. Additionally increased potassium conductance and modulation of high-voltage activated calcium channels may contribute to the anticonvulsant effects of the drug.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Oxcarbazepine ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, difficulty in concentration. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        • Oxcarbazepine can inhibit CYP2C19 and induce CYP3A4/5 with potentially important effects on plasma concentrations of others drugs. In addition, several anticonvulsants that are cytochrome P-450 inducers can decrease plasma concentrations of Oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite (MHD).
        • Decreased effect:
          • Oxcarbazepine and MHD induce CYPA3A isozymes (CYP3A4 and CYP3A5) responsible for the metabolism of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists and oral contraceptives, resulting in a lower plasma concentration of these drugs.
          • Oxcarbazepine with oral contraceptives has been shown to decrease plasma concentrations of the two hormonal components, ethinyl estradiol (48% and 52%) and levonorgestrel (32% and 52%).
          • Oxcarbazepine may decrease the effectiveness of these contraceptive products.
          • Oxcarbazepine has been shown to lower the AUC of felodipine by 28% and verapamil produced a decrease of 20% of plasma levels of Oxcarbazepine metabolite MHD.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Clinically significant hyponatremia (sodium <125 mmol/L) can develop during Oxcarbazepine use. As with all antiepileptic drugs, Oxcarbazepine should be withdrawn gradually to minimize the potential of increased seizure frequency. Use of Oxcarbazepine has been associated with CNS related adverse events, most significant of these were cognitive symptoms including psychomotor slowing, difficulty with concentration, and speech or language problems, somnolence or fatigue, and coordination abnormalities, including ataxia and gait disturbances.

      FAQs about Oxcarbazepine

      • Ques : What is Oxcarbazepine?

        Ans : Oxcarbazepine acts as an anticonvulsant, and helps treat particular seizures in individuals who suffer from epilepsy. The doctor may either prescribe only this drug, or prescribe it with other drugs. Oxcarbazepineslows down abnormal brain nerve impulses, thus treating seizures.

      • Ques : What are the uses of Oxcarbazepine?

        Ans : Oxcarbazepine is used for the control and treatment of Epilepsy.

      • Ques : What are the side effects of this Oxcarbazepine?

        Ans : The drug can lead to certain side effects which include - dizzy spells, feeling sleepy, confusion and problems with coordination.

      • Ques : : How long do I need to use Oxcarbazepine before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Oxcarbazepine?

        Ans : This medication should be taken in the dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

      • Ques : Should I use Oxcarbazepine empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication should be taken after food in a prescribed dosage.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Oxcarbazepine?

        Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

      • Ques : How is this Oxcarbazepine administered?

        Ans : This medication is administered orally.

      References

      • Oxcarbazepine-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 1 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/oxcarbazepine

      • Oxcarbazepine-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 1 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00776

      • Oxcarbazepine Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 1 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=Oxcarbazepine

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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