Composition
Susp: Per 5 ml: Eslicarbazepine acetate 50 mg. Tab 200 mg/400 mg/800mg: Carbamazepine 200 mg/400 mg/800mg.
Indications & Dosage
Monotherapy of focal seizures with or without secondary generalisation: Adult: Initially 400 mg once daily for 1–2 weeks, then increased to 800 mg once daily, then increased if necessary to 1.2 g once daily (max. per dose 1.6 g). Elderly: Initially 400 mg once daily for 1–2 weeks, then increased to 800 mg once daily (max. per dose 1.2 g). Adjunctive therapy of focal seizures with or without secondary generalisation: Adult: Initially 400 mg once daily for 1–2 weeks, then increased to 800 mg once daily (max. per dose 1.2 g)
Contraindications
Second- or third-degree AV block
Precautions
Hepatic or renal disorders, cardiac disease, hyponatraemia, PR-interval prolongation, elderly. Perform liver function tests and check blood count regularly. Monitor plasma-sodium concentration in patients at risk of hyponatraemia and discontinue treatment if hyponatraemia occurs. Carbamazepine-induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome is strongly associated with the HLA-B1502 allele (notably in Han Chinese and Thai populations), warranting pre-treatment screening, whereas the HLA-A3101 allele (more common in Europeans and Japanese) increases the risk of cutaneous adverse reactions, though insufficient evidence exists to recommend routine screening for eslicarbazepine acetate, and its use should be based on a clear benefit–risk assessment.
Interactions
Oral anticoagulants, MAOls, combined oral con-traceptives. Erythromycin, isoniazid, cimetidine, dextropropoxyphene, diltiazem, verapamil, viloxazine, Steroids, phenytoin, lithium
Pregnancy
Caution advised, risk of toxicity.
Lactation
Avoid
Side Effects
Asthenia, diarrhoea, dizziness, drowsiness, gait abnormal, headaches, movement disorders, nausea, skin reactions, vertigo, vision disorders, vomiting, alopecia, anaemia, anxiety, bradycardia, chest pain, chills, confusion, constipation, depression, dry mouth, eye disorders, ushing, gastritis, GI discomfort, haemorrhage, hearing impairment, hyperhidrosis, hypertension, hypotension, hypothyroidism, increased risk of infection, liver disorder, malaise, muscle weakness, myalgia, pain in extremity, palpitations, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral oedema, psychomotor retardation, psychotic disorder, speech impairment, tinnitus. Rare: Angioedema, leucopenia, pancreatitis, severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs), suicidal behaviours, thrombocytopenia.