Oxcarb 450 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

OXCARB 450 MG TABLET (10 TAB) by CIPLA LTD.

Name

• Brand Name: OXCARB 450 MG TABLET
• Common Name: Oxcarbazepine

Composition

Each tablet contains Oxcarbazepine 450 mg as the active ingredient.

Uses

OXCARB 450 MG Tablet is an antiepileptic medication primarily used for the treatment and prevention of epilepsy (seizures). It is prescribed to control partial seizures in adults and children, either alone (monotherapy) or in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs (adjunctive therapy). It may also be used to alleviate symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia. This medicine helps by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain to reduce the occurrence of abnormal electrical signals that lead to seizures.

Dosage and Administration

OXCARB 450 MG Tablet should be taken orally, with or without food, at regular intervals as directed by a healthcare professional. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablets. The dosage is individualized based on the patient's condition, age, and response to treatment, and it may be gradually adjusted by the doctor. Abrupt discontinuation should be avoided as it may increase seizure frequency.

Side Effects

• Common Side Effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, headache, double vision, fatigue, clumsiness or unsteadiness, and low sodium levels in the blood.
• Serious Side Effects: Serious allergic reactions (e.g., skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS), severe low sodium levels (confusion, muscle weakness, severe dizziness), mood changes or suicidal thoughts, and worsening seizures. Seek immediate medical attention if any serious side effects occur.

Precautions

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies to Oxcarbazepine or Carbamazepine.
• Hyponatremia: This medicine can lower sodium levels in the blood; regular monitoring may be necessary.
• Driving/Operating Machinery: May cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid activities requiring mental alertness until you know how it affects you.
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Consult your doctor if pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Appropriate birth control measures are advised as Oxcarbazepine may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, to prevent potential interactions.
• Other Conditions: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney problems, or a history of depression or suicidal thoughts.

Storage

Store OXCARB 450 MG Tablet in a closed container at room temperature, typically between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F), away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

What is OXCARB 450 MG TABLET used for?

OXCARB 450 MG TABLET contains Oxcarbazepine, which is primarily used to treat and prevent partial seizures (also known as focal seizures) in individuals with epilepsy. It can be used alone (monotherapy) or in combination with other anti-seizure medications (adjunctive therapy). In some cases, it may also be prescribed off-label for conditions like bipolar disorder.

How does OXCARB 450 MG TABLET work?

Oxcarbazepine is an anticonvulsant medication that works by stabilizing overactive electrical activity in the brain's nerve cells. It is thought to achieve this by blocking sodium channels, which helps prevent the abnormal spread of nerve signals that can lead to seizures.

What is the usual dosage of OXCARB 450 MG TABLET?

For adults, when starting Oxcarbazepine, a typical initial dose is 300 milligrams (mg) twice a day (total 600 mg per day) for immediate-release formulations. The dosage may be gradually increased by your doctor based on your response and tolerability, with usual maintenance doses ranging from 600 mg to 2400 mg daily, divided into two doses. The 450 mg strength suggests it's likely an immediate-release tablet to be taken twice daily. Dosage for children is based on body weight and must be determined by a doctor.

What are the possible side effects of OXCARB 450 MG TABLET?

Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, vomiting, double vision, problems with coordination or balance, and low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia). More serious, but rare, side effects can include severe allergic reactions (e.g., skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat), severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and changes in mood or thoughts of self-harm.

Is OXCARB 450 MG TABLET safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Studies on oxcarbazepine in human pregnancies have not consistently shown a significantly increased risk of major birth defects, but a moderate teratogenic risk or potential for neurodevelopmental concerns cannot be entirely excluded. It is important not to stop seizure medication suddenly during pregnancy without medical advice, as uncontrolled seizures can harm both the pregnant individual and the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite pass into breast milk in low concentrations. Many expert authors consider oxcarbazepine compatible with breastfeeding, and reports generally show no adverse effects in breastfed infants, especially those older than 2 months. However, infants should be monitored for potential side effects such as drowsiness or poor weight gain. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you should take oxcarbazepine or breastfeed, as you should not do both without careful consideration.

Can OXCARB 450 MG TABLET be taken with other medications?

Oxcarbazepine can interact with several other medications. It can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, injections), so alternative or additional birth control methods are recommended. It may also interact with other seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine), certain blood pressure medications (e.g., felodipine, diltiazem, verapamil), cyclosporine, and medications that cause drowsiness or dizziness (e.g., alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines). Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal supplements you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while on OXCARB 450 MG TABLET?

It is crucial not to stop taking OXCARB 450 MG TABLET suddenly, as this can lead to an increase in seizure frequency or more severe seizures. This medication can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and affect your coordination and reaction time; therefore, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Avoid alcohol, as it can worsen these side effects. Your doctor may perform blood tests to monitor your sodium levels, especially during the initial months of treatment, due to the risk of hyponatremia. Be alert for any unusual changes in mood or behavior, including suicidal thoughts, and report them to your doctor immediately.

What happens if a dose of OXCARB 450 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 a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

How should OXCARB 450 MG TABLET be stored?

Store OXCARB 450 MG TABLET in its original container at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. If you are using the oral suspension form, shake the bottle well before each use and discard any unused portion after 7 weeks of first opening the bottle. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.