Oxcarb 150 Mg Tablet

OXCARB 150 MG Tablet

OXCARB 150 MG Tablet, manufactured by Cipla Ltd., is an antiepileptic medication primarily used in the management and prevention of seizures.

Composition

Each film-coated tablet contains Oxcarbazepine USP 150 mg as the active ingredient.

Uses

OXCARB 150 MG Tablet is prescribed for the treatment of:

• Epilepsy (Seizures): It is used to control and prevent partial (focal) seizures in adults and children, either alone (monotherapy) or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs (adjunctive therapy). It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures.
• Neuropathic pain: In some cases, it may also be prescribed for certain types of nerve pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia or pain associated with diabetic neuropathy.

Dosage and Administration

OXCARB 150 MG Tablet should be taken orally, with or without food, usually twice daily, as directed by a healthcare professional. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and not crushed, chewed, or broken. To achieve maximum benefit and maintain consistent levels in the body, it is important to take the medicine at the same time each day. Dosage is individualized based on the patient's medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications, and may be gradually increased. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as abrupt discontinuation can lead to an increase in seizure frequency.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Dizziness, drowsiness, and fatigue or weakness
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea
• Low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia), which may cause symptoms like difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, and unsteadiness
• Blurred or double vision, uncontrolled eye movements
• Weight gain
• Hair loss

Serious Side Effects (less common):

• Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
• Unusual mood changes, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts/behavior
• Loss of coordination or difficulty walking (ataxia)
• Agitation or confusion
• Easy bleeding or bruising

Precautions

• Allergies: Do not take OXCARB 150 MG Tablet if you are allergic to oxcarbazepine, eslicarbazepine, or any other ingredients in the tablet.
• Alcohol Consumption: Avoid alcohol during treatment, as it can increase drowsiness and the risk of seizures.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medication may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or vision problems. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medicine affects you.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, heart problems, difficulty urinating, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
• Low Sodium Levels: Regular monitoring of blood sodium levels may be necessary, and report any symptoms of hyponatremia to your doctor.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding, as OXCARB 150 MG Tablet may be unsafe to use during these periods.
• Hormonal Contraceptives: Oxcarbazepine can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control (pills, patches, rings), potentially leading to unintended pregnancy. Discuss reliable backup birth control methods with your doctor.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential drug interactions.
• Pediatric Use: The safety and efficacy in children below four years of age have not been clinically established.
• Abrupt Discontinuation: Do not stop treatment suddenly. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose to prevent an increase in seizure frequency.

Storage

Store OXCARB 150 MG Tablet at room temperature, ideally below 30°C (or between 10°C to 25°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store in the bathroom.

Here are some frequently asked questions about OXCARB 150 MG TABLET by CIPLA LTD.

What is OXCARB 150 MG TABLET used for?

OXCARB 150 MG TABLET, containing oxcarbazepine, is primarily used to treat and prevent partial seizures (also known as focal onset seizures) in adults and children with epilepsy. It can be used as a standalone therapy (monotherapy) or in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs (adjunctive therapy). In some cases, it may also be prescribed off-label for nerve pain or as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.

How does OXCARB 150 MG TABLET work?

Oxcarbazepine, the active ingredient in OXCARB 150 MG TABLET, works as an anticonvulsant by stabilizing overactive electrical activity in the brain's nerve cells. It primarily achieves this by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels, which helps to inhibit repetitive neuronal firing and prevent the abnormal spread of nerve signals that cause seizures. It is rapidly metabolized to its active form, licarbazepine (monohydroxy derivative or MHD), which is responsible for most of its antiseizure activity.

What is the usual dosage of OXCARB 150 MG TABLET?

The dosage of OXCARB 150 MG TABLET varies depending on the patient's age, weight, condition, and whether it's used alone or with other medications. For adults taking oxcarbazepine as their only seizure medicine, a common starting dose is 300 mg twice daily, which may be gradually increased by your doctor. When used with other seizure medicines, the typical adult starting dose is 300 mg two times a day, with potential adjustments as needed, usually not exceeding 1200 mg per day. For children, the dose is based on body weight and must be determined by a doctor. It's crucial to follow your doctor's specific instructions for dosing.

What are the possible side effects of OXCARB 150 MG TABLET?

Common side effects of oxcarbazepine can include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, double vision, difficulty with coordination, and low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia). Serious but less common side effects can include severe allergic reactions (like skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face/lips/tongue, or throat, and potentially life-threatening conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome), liver problems, pancreatitis, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, and serious blood disorders. It is important to report any concerning symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Is OXCARB 150 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

During pregnancy, seizure control is vital, but the use of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy can be complex. While some studies suggest that newborns of women receiving oxcarbazepine monotherapy during pregnancy do not appear to have an increased risk for malformations compared to the general population, the data is not sufficient to draw definitive conclusions, and a moderate teratogenic risk cannot be completely excluded. Some studies have conflicting results regarding the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, who may recommend folic acid supplementation.

Oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite pass into breast milk. While some reports suggest low levels in breastmilk and no expected adverse effects, particularly in infants older than 2 months, a risk to the infant cannot be excluded. A decision to breastfeed while taking oxcarbazepine should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, weighing the benefits of breastfeeding against potential risks to the infant, who should be monitored for side effects like drowsiness and poor weight gain.

Can OXCARB 150 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

OXCARB 150 MG TABLET can interact with several medications. Notably, it may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections), so an alternative or additional non-hormonal birth control method is recommended. It can also interact with other seizure medications like phenytoin and carbamazepine, certain blood pressure medications, some antidepressants, opioids, and benzodiazepines, potentially increasing side effects or altering drug levels. It's crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

What precautions should be taken while taking OXCARB 150 MG TABLET?

Several precautions should be taken:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to oxcarbazepine or carbamazepine, as there can be cross-sensitivity.
• Low Sodium: Oxcarbazepine can cause low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia). Your doctor may need to monitor your blood sodium levels, especially in the first few months of treatment or if you experience symptoms like confusion, dizziness, or increased seizures.
• Mental Health: This medication may cause changes in mental health, including suicidal thoughts or actions. Patients, families, and caregivers should be alert for any unusual changes in behavior or mood.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: Oxcarbazepine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and affect coordination or vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can worsen side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
• Do Not Stop Abruptly: Do not stop taking oxcarbazepine without consulting your doctor, as sudden discontinuation can lead to increased seizure frequency or severe seizures.
• Kidney/Liver Disease: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver problems, as dose adjustments may be necessary.

What happens if a dose of OXCARB 150 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 dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose or extra doses to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects. If you are unsure, contact your healthcare provider for advice. Missing too many doses can increase your risk of having a seizure.

How should OXCARB 150 MG TABLET be stored?

OXCARB 150 MG TABLET should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, typically between 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F), away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep it from freezing. It should be kept dry and in its original, tightly closed, light-resistant container. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.