CARZEPIN 200 mg

Indication

Treatment of epilepsy (focal and generalised tonic-clonic seizures), trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar disorder (manic episodes and prophylaxis).

Ingredients

• Carbamazepine 200 mg

Direction

Epilepsy — Adults: Initially 100–200 mg once or twice daily, increasing gradually to 800–1200 mg/day in divided doses. Children 6–12 years: 400–800 mg/day in divided doses. Trigeminal neuralgia — Adults: Initially 200–400 mg/day, increasing to 200 mg three to four times daily. Dosage must be individualised and monitored by a physician.

Side effects

• Dizziness and ataxia.
• Drowsiness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Diplopia (double vision).
• Skin rash.
• Hyponatraemia.
• Leukopenia (low white blood cell count).

Precautions

• Do not use with MAOIs — allow at least 14 days between stopping MAOIs and starting carbamazepine.
• Associated with serious skin reactions (Stevens
• Johnson syndrome
• toxic epidermal necrolysis) — screen high
• risk populations (e.g. HLA
• B*1502 in Han Chinese).
• Regular blood count and liver function monitoring required.
• Risk of hyponatraemia — monitor electrolytes.
• Strong CYP3A4 inducer — numerous drug interactions.
• Teratogenic — use effective contraception in women of childbearing potential.
• Keep out of reach of children.