Mazetol Sr 400 Mg Tablet

MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET by ABBOTT

MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET is a sustained-release medication primarily used for neurological and psychiatric conditions.

• Name:
  • Brand Name: MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET
  • Common Name: Carbamazepine
• Composition:
  • Active Ingredient: Carbamazepine 400 mg
• Uses: MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET is primarily used to manage and control various conditions:
  • Epilepsy: Controls certain types of seizures, including generalized tonic-clonic and partial seizures, by stabilizing nerve impulses in the brain.
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia: Treats severe facial pain by reducing pain signals along the trigeminal nerve.
  • Bipolar Disorder: Manages symptoms of bipolar disorder, especially when other treatments are ineffective, by stabilizing mood.
  • Neuropathic Pain: May be used for certain types of nerve pain, including diabetes-related nerve pain (diabetic neuropathy).
  • Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: Used for nerve pain affecting the throat and ear.
• Dosage and Administration: MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET should be taken as prescribed by a doctor, typically once or twice daily. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed, broken, or chewed, to maintain its sustained-release effect. It can be taken with or without food, ideally at the same time each day to maintain consistent drug levels. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to recurrence of symptoms and should be avoided.
• Side Effects:
  • Common: Dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, blurred vision, double vision, and skin rashes.
  • Serious (Less Common): Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome), blood disorders (e.g., low white blood cell count), liver problems, allergic reactions, heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat), confusion, aggression, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
• Precautions:
  • Alcohol and Grapefruit Juice: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can also increase carbamazepine levels in the blood and should be avoided.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and only if considered necessary by a physician. Non-hormonal contraception is advised for women of childbearing potential due to potential interactions with hormonal birth control.
  • Medical Conditions: Caution is advised for patients with liver, kidney, or heart problems, blood disorders, glaucoma, hypothyroidism, or bone marrow problems.
  • Drug Interactions: Carbamazepine can interact with various medications, including antidepressants, antifungal drugs, and certain antibiotics. Inform your doctor about all medications being taken.
  • Activities Requiring Alertness: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if experiencing dizziness or drowsiness.
  • Pediatric Use: Not recommended for children below 5 years; caution and dose adjustment may be required for children and adolescents aged 5-15 years.
  • Monitoring: Regular blood tests are crucial to monitor liver function, kidney function, blood cell counts, and drug levels.
• Storage: Store MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET at room temperature (20-25°C), away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.

What is MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET used for?

MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET is an anticonvulsant medicine primarily used to treat certain forms of epilepsy (fits or seizures) and trigeminal neuralgia (a painful condition affecting the facial nerves). It can also be used to control symptoms of bipolar disorder when other medicines are not effective.

How does MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET work?

MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET contains Carbamazepine, which works by stabilizing nerve impulses in the brain. It reduces abnormal electrical activity in the brain by blocking sodium channels in nerve cells, which helps prevent the rapid firing of nerve impulses that cause seizures. It also decreases the transmission of pain signals along certain nerve pathways, particularly in the trigeminal nerve, to relieve facial pain. Additionally, it can stabilize mood by reducing the activation of nerve cells involved in abnormal mood changes.

What is the usual dosage for MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET?

The dosage of MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET varies depending on the individual's condition, age, weight, and response to the medication. For adults with epilepsy, a typical starting dose might be 200 mg once or twice daily, gradually increased by a doctor to achieve optimal seizure control, with a maintenance dose typically ranging from 800 mg to 1200 mg per day. For trigeminal neuralgia, the initial dose is often lower, such as 100 mg twice daily, and gradually increased to effectively relieve pain. It's crucial to always follow your doctor's specific dosing instructions and not to exceed the prescribed dose. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water and not crushed or chewed, and can be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time each day.

What are the possible side effects of MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET?

Common side effects can include dizziness, tiredness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, nausea, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, blurred vision, and minor skin reactions. More serious, but less common, side effects include severe skin reactions (like Stevens-Johnson syndrome), blood disorders (e.g., low white blood cell count), liver problems, and suicidal thoughts or mood swings. If any side effects persist, worsen, or if you experience severe symptoms like a skin rash, fever, or thoughts of self-harm, consult your doctor immediately.

Is MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless considered absolutely necessary by a physician, as it may increase the risk of developmental disorders and malformations in the infant. Women of childbearing potential should use a suitable non-hormonal contraceptive method while taking this medicine. It is considered probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding, although it can pass into breast milk. If breastfeeding, monitor the baby for side effects such as excessive sleepiness, skin reactions, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, and consult your doctor immediately if any are observed.

Can MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET can interact with various other medications. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking. Some notable interactions include decreased effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, increased risk of side effects when taken with certain antidepressants (e.g., MAO inhibitors), and altered blood levels of other anticonvulsants, antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, doxycycline), blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), and thyroid medicines. Concomitant use with certain medications like Rilpivirine, Boceprevir, Moclobemide, Artemether, Phenelzine, and Daclatasvir is generally not advised or requires careful monitoring by a doctor.

What precautions should be taken when taking MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET?

Avoid consuming alcohol or grapefruit juice while taking MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET, as they can increase the risk of side effects like dizziness and sleepiness. Since this medicine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Inform your doctor if you have any heart problems, liver or kidney disease, blood disorders (like porphyria), glaucoma, or a history of bone marrow depression. Regular blood tests may be advised by your doctor to monitor your progress and check for potential side effects.

What happens if a dose of MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one, as this can lead to an overdose. Abruptly stopping MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET without consulting your doctor can lead to worsening of seizures or withdrawal symptoms.

How should MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET be stored?

MAZETOL SR 400 MG TABLET should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, and out of the reach of children.