Eslizen 400 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

ESLIZEN 400 MG Tablet

Name

Brand Name: Eslizen 400 MG Tablet Common Name: Eslicarbazepine acetate (as Eslicarbazepine 400 mg)

Composition

Each tablet contains Eslicarbazepine acetate, equivalent to 400 mg of Eslicarbazepine.

Uses

ESLIZEN 400 MG Tablet is an antiepileptic medicine primarily used to treat epilepsy (seizures). It works by decreasing abnormal and excessive electrical activity in the brain.

• It can be used as monotherapy in adults newly diagnosed with epilepsy.
• It is also used as an adjunctive therapy (in combination with other antiepileptic drugs) for partial-onset seizures, with or without secondary generalization, in adults and children above 6 years of age (some sources state above 4 years).

Dosage and Administration

ESLIZEN 400 MG Tablet should be taken orally as advised by your doctor.

• It can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.
• Typically, it is recommended to take it once daily.
• Do not stop taking the medicine abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this may increase seizure frequency.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness/Sleepiness
• Fatigue/Tiredness
• Headache
• Nausea, Vomiting
• Blurred vision, Double vision (Diplopia)
• Diarrhea
• Balance disorder (loss of balance), Impaired coordination (Ataxia)
• Skin rash

Serious Side Effects:

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Significant decrease in sodium levels in the blood (Hyponatremia), which can cause confusion, severe weakness, and worsening seizures
• Allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Severe liver or kidney problems

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use with caution during pregnancy only if clearly necessary, as it may cause harmful effects to the unborn baby. It is generally not recommended during breastfeeding; consult your doctor.
• Liver and Kidney Impairment: Use with caution in patients with mild to moderate liver or kidney impairment. It is contraindicated in severe liver or kidney diseases.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of side effects like dizziness and drowsiness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or visual disturbances. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, including oral contraceptive pills, herbal supplements, and vitamins, as ESLIZEN 400 MG Tablet may interact with them and reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Grapefruit juice should also be avoided.
• Heart Conditions: Not recommended for patients with heart rhythm disorders (second- or third-degree heart block). Use with caution in heart failure.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of sodium levels in the blood may be advised by your doctor.

Storage

Store at room temperature, ideally below 30°C. Keep in a dry place, away from light and moisture, and out of the sight and reach of children.

ESLIZEN 400 MG TABLET contains Eslicarbazepine acetate and is used to treat epilepsy or seizures. It can be used alone (monotherapy) in adults newly diagnosed with epilepsy or in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs for partial-onset seizures in adults and children above 6 years of age (some sources say above 4 years).

Here are some frequently asked questions about ESLIZEN 400 MG TABLET:

What is Eslizen 400 mg Tablet used for?

Eslizen 400 mg Tablet is primarily used to treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. It can be prescribed as a standalone therapy for adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy or as an add-on treatment with other anti-epileptic medicines for partial-onset seizures in adults and children aged 6 years and older.

How does Eslizen 400 mg Tablet work?

Eslizen 400 mg Tablet contains Eslicarbazepine acetate, which is converted to the active metabolite eslicarbazepine in the body. Its exact mechanism of action is thought to involve blocking voltage-gated sodium channels in the brain's nerve cells. By stabilizing the inactive state of these channels, it reduces excessive electrical activity and abnormal firing of neurons, thereby preventing seizure episodes.

What is the usual dosage for Eslizen 400 mg Tablet?

Eslizen 400 mg Tablet is typically taken once daily, with or without food, or as advised by your doctor. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed, chewed, or broken, unless instructed by your doctor. The specific dose will be determined by your doctor based on your condition, age, and response to the medicine.

What are the possible side effects of Eslizen 400 mg Tablet?

Common side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, double vision, and balance disorder. Some patients may also experience a decrease in blood sodium levels (hyponatremia), which can lead to symptoms like confusion, increased seizures, or cognitive disturbances. Serious side effects are rare but can include suicidal thoughts or behavior and severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing). If any side effects persist or worsen, or if you experience severe symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Is Eslizen 400 mg Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Eslizen 400 mg Tablet should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the unborn baby. Animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby, and limited human data is available.

During breastfeeding, Eslizen 400 mg Tablet is generally not recommended unless absolutely necessary, as it can pass into breast milk and may cause harmful effects to the nursing baby. Your doctor will assess the risks and benefits. If used during breastfeeding, the infant should be monitored for drowsiness or inadequate weight gain. Eslizen can also make oral contraceptive pills less effective, so alternative or additional non-hormonal contraception should be used during treatment.

Can Eslizen 400 mg Tablet be taken with other medications?

Eslizen 400 mg Tablet can interact with other medications. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins you are taking. Specifically, it may interact with other anti-epileptic medicines (like carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital), hormonal contraceptives (reducing their effectiveness), certain cholesterol-lowering drugs (simvastatin, rosuvastatin), blood thinners (warfarin), and some antidepressants (amitriptyline). It may also interact with diuretics and certain heart medications.

What precautions should be taken while using Eslizen 400 mg Tablet?

• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impaired coordination. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Alcohol: Avoid or limit alcohol consumption, as it may increase side effects like dizziness and drowsiness.
• Kidney and Liver Conditions: Use with caution in patients with mild to moderate kidney or liver impairment. It is generally not recommended for severe liver or kidney diseases.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Monitor for any new or worsening depression, unusual mood/behavior changes, or suicidal thoughts, and seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
• Sodium Levels: Your doctor may advise regular monitoring of blood sodium levels due to the risk of hyponatremia.
• Children and Elderly: Use with caution in children aged 6-18 years and in elderly patients (above 65 years), often requiring dose adjustments and close monitoring. It is not recommended for children below 6 years.

What happens if a dose of Eslizen 400 mg Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the forgotten one. Missing doses can increase the risk of seizures.

How should Eslizen 400 mg Tablet be stored?

Store Eslizen 400 mg Tablet in a closed container at room temperature, ideally below 30°C, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use outdated medicine.