Oxmazetol 300 Tablet

OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET by ABBOTT

Name:

• Brand Name: OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET
• Common Name (Active Ingredient): Oxcarbazepine

Composition: Each tablet contains Oxcarbazepine 300 mg.

Uses: OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET is an anti-epileptic medication primarily used to treat and prevent seizures in individuals with epilepsy. It can be prescribed for:

• Partial (focal) seizures, used alone (monotherapy) or with other medicines in adults and children.
• Generalized tonic-clonic seizures. By reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain, it helps control symptoms like confusion, jerking movements, and loss of awareness, thereby improving the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy or other seizure-related disorders.

Dosage and Administration: This medicine should be taken orally exactly as prescribed by a doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but it is recommended to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body and maximize benefit. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet; swallow it whole with a glass of water. The dosage and duration depend on the individual's medical condition and response to treatment, and it may be increased gradually by the doctor. Do not stop taking OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET abruptly without consulting a doctor, as this can trigger seizures or worsen the condition.

Side Effects: Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, tiredness
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation
• Blurred or double vision, uncontrolled eye movement
• Low blood levels of sodium (hyponatremia)
• Weakness
• Weight gain

Serious Side Effects (rare):

• Severe allergic reactions
• Significant mood changes, depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior

Precautions:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET carries a fetal risk and should be used during pregnancy only if clearly indicated and under a doctor's advice, often with folic acid supplementation. It passes into breast milk, so it is generally not recommended for breastfeeding women.
• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase the risk of dizziness and drowsiness.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or vision changes. Patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how it affects them.
• Medical Conditions: Caution is advised for patients with kidney disease, liver disease, heart problems, low sodium levels in the blood, or a history of depression.
• Drug Interactions: Oxcarbazepine can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. It may also interact with calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and other antiepileptic medications. Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
• Children: Use in children should be under medical supervision, as there are age restrictions based on dosage and whether it is used alone or with other medications.

Storage: Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and at or below 30°C. Keep it out of sight and reach of children.

What is OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET used for?

OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET is primarily used to treat and prevent seizures in individuals with epilepsy, particularly partial (focal) seizures. It can be prescribed alone (monotherapy) or in combination with other anti-epileptic medications for both adults and children. This medicine helps manage the frequency and severity of seizures, aiming to improve the quality of life for patients.

How does OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET work?

OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET contains oxcarbazepine, which works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It stabilizes overexcited nerve membranes and decreases nerve impulse propagation by blocking voltage-sensitive sodium channels, thereby preventing the uncontrolled electrical activity that leads to seizures.

What is the usual dosage for OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET?

The dosage of OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET is determined by your doctor and depends on factors such as age, body weight, and whether it's used alone or with other medications. For adults and children 17 years and older, a typical starting dose is 300 mg twice a day. The dose may be gradually increased by your doctor as needed, but usually not exceeding 1200 mg per day when used alone, or up to 2400 mg per day when switching from other medications or as adjunct therapy. For children aged 4 to 16, the starting dose is usually 8 to 10 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into two doses, and adjusted by the doctor, typically not exceeding 600 mg per day, divided into two doses.

What are the possible side effects of OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET?

Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred or double vision. More serious, but rare, side effects can include severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, trouble breathing), low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia), and changes in mood or behavior, including suicidal thoughts. It's important to contact your doctor if you experience persistent or severe side effects.

Is OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET carries a fetal risk and should generally only be used during pregnancy if clearly indicated and under strict medical supervision, often with folic acid supplementation. For breastfeeding women, oxcarbazepine passes into breast milk and is generally not recommended, as it may cause side effects in breastfed babies. Always consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET be taken with other medications?

Yes, but it's crucial to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products, as OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET can interact with certain medicines. Notably, it can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, so alternative or additional birth control methods may be necessary. It can also interact with other antiepileptic medications (like carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproic acid), calcium channel blockers (like felodipine, verapamil), antidepressants, lithium, MAOIs, and medicines that can lower sodium levels in the blood.

What precautions should be taken while taking OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET?

Avoid consuming alcohol, as it can increase side effects like dizziness and drowsiness and may also increase the risk of seizures. Due to potential dizziness, drowsiness, or vision changes, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medicine affects you. Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, heart problems, or a history of depression or suicidal thoughts, as dose adjustments or close monitoring may be required. Regular blood tests may be needed to monitor sodium levels and ensure the medicine is working properly. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly, as this can increase seizure frequency.

What happens if a dose of OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET is missed?

If you miss a dose of OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET, 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 a missed one.

How should OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET be stored?

OXMAZETOL 300 TABLET should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep it out of the sight and reach of children, and do not use it after the expiry date.