Carbamazepine tablets for Neuralgias and neuropathies
Composition:
Each tablet contains:
Carbamazepine ……………………………. 200 mg
Properties:
Carbamazepine is an antiepileptic agent used to control tonic-clonic ( grand mal )& partial (focal) seizures. It is also effective in trigeminal neuralgia.
Carbamazepine is slowly but fairly completely absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract. It is extensively metabolized in the liver & is excreted in the urine almost entirely in the form of its metabolites. Carbamazepine is widely distributed throughout the body & is extensively bound (about 75% ) to plasma proteins.
Because Carbamazepine may induce its own metabolism, the plasma half-life is variable. Initial half-life values range from 25 – 65 hours with 12 – 17 hours on repeated doses. Carbamazepine crosses the placental barrier & is excreted in breast milk.
Indications:
Epilepsy:
Carbamazepine is indicated in patients with following seizure types:
► Partial seizures with complex symptomatology ( psychomotor, temporal lobe).
► Generalized tonic-clonic seizures( grand mal)
► Mixed seizure patterns which include the above or other partial or generalized seizures.
► Trigeminal neuralgia.
► Neuralgias & neuropathies.
Contraindication:
Carbamazepine should not be used in patients with a history of previous bone marrow depression.
Hypersensitivity to the drug or known sensitivity to any of the tricyclic compounds.
Its use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors is not recommended.
Use during pregnancy & in nursing mothers:
The drug should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Carbamazepine, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Side effect:
► Fairly common side effects of the drug particularly in the initial stages of therapy include dizziness, drowsiness & ataxia, these effects may be minimized by starting therapy with a low dose.
► Gastro-intestinal symptoms are recorded to be less common.
► Generalized erythematous rashes, which when severe may necessitate withdrawal of treatment.
► Occasional reports of blood disorders have occurred as well as abnormalities of liver & kidney functions.
Dosage:
For epilepsy ► 6 – l2 years of age………Initial dose of 100 mg twice daily then add 100 mg per day at weekly intervals three or four times daily. The maximum dose is 1000 mg / 24 hours.
► Over 12 years of age…..Initial dose of 200 mg twice daily then add up to 200 mg per day at weekly intervals three or four times daily . The maximum dose is 1000 mg / 24 hours.
► For 12 – 15 years & 1200 mg / 24 hours for over 15 years & 1600 mg / 24 hours in rare instances for adults.
For trigeminal neuralgia:
► 100 mg twice on the first day ,then add up to 200 mg per day in increments of 100 mg every 12 hours. The maximum dose is 1200 mg / 24 hours.
For neuralgias & neuropathies :
► 200 mg 2 – 4 times daily.
Storage:
Keep at temperature not exceeding 30°C & Keep out of reach of children.
Presentation:
Box of 20 tablets or 1000 tablets.
