Used For

Seizures

How it works

The pharmacological activity of oxcarbazepine is primarily exerted through the metabolite (MHD) . The mechanism of action of oxcarbazepine and MHD is thought to be mainly based on the blockade of voltage-sensitive sodium channels, thus resulting in stabilisation of hyperexcited neural membranes, inhibition of repetitive neuronal firing, and diminishment of propagation of synaptic impulses. In addition, increased potassium conductance and modulation of high-voltage activated calcium channels may also contribute to the anticonvulsant effects. No significant interactions with brain neurotransmitter or modulator receptor sites were found.

Dosage

Oxcarbazepine

Side Effects

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): • tiredness; headache; dizziness; drowsiness; feeling sick (nausea); being sick (vomiting); double vision. Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): • weakness; memory disturbances; impaired concentration; apathy; agitation; confusion; blurred vision; visual disturbance; constipation; diarrhoea; stomach (abdominal) pain; acne; hair loss, balance disturbances; weight increased; speech disorder. Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): • High blood pressure; hives. • You may also have raised levels of liver enzymes while taking oxcarbazepine.

Drug Interactions

Hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill , Other antiepileptic and enzyme inducing medicines, such as carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin or lamotrigine and rifampicin , diuretics , desmopressin , indometacin , Lithium and monoamine oxidase inhibitors , ciclosporin and tacrolimus.

Indication

It is used to treat partial seizures with or without secondarily generalised tonic-clonic seizures.

When not to Use

Do not take If you are allergic to oxcarbazepine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine or if you are allergic to eslicarbazepine.

Hypothyroidism is an adverse reaction (with “uncommon” frequency, of oxcarbazepine. Considering the importance of thyroid hormones in children’s development after birth, thyroid function monitoring is recommended in the pediatric age group while on oxcarbazepine therapy.