Tegrital 100 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

TEGRITAL 100 MG TABLET

Tegrital 100 mg Tablet, manufactured by Novartis India Limited, is an anti-epileptic medication primarily used for managing neurological conditions.

• Name:

  • Brand Name: Tegrital 100 mg Tablet
  • Common Name: Carbamazepine (the active ingredient)

• Composition:

  • Each tablet contains Carbamazepine 100 mg.

• Uses: Tegrital 100 mg Tablet is prescribed for the management of various medical conditions:

  • Epilepsy/Seizures: It is used to treat different types of epileptic seizures or fits, including partial seizures with complex symptoms, generalized tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal), and mixed seizure patterns. It works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia: It effectively treats this painful condition affecting the facial nerves.
  • Bipolar Disorder: It can also aid in controlling symptoms of bipolar disorder when other treatments are not effective.

• Dosage and Administration:

  • Tegrital 100 mg Tablet should be taken 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 effects.
  • Chewable tablets should be chewed completely before swallowing.
  • The dose and duration depend on the individual's condition and response to the medicine.
  • Abrupt discontinuation may precipitate seizures, so it should not be stopped suddenly without consulting a doctor.

• Side Effects:

  • Common Side Effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, confusion, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, blurred vision, muscle stiffness, skin rash or itching, and upset stomach.
  • Serious Side Effects: These may include severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis), bone marrow depression (decreased white blood cells or platelets), liver dysfunction (jaundice, dark urine, light-colored stools), suicidal thoughts or mood changes, and allergic reactions (fever, rashes, swelling). Prompt medical attention is required if these occur.

• Precautions:

  • Allergies: Avoid if allergic to carbamazepine or tricyclic antidepressants.
  • Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with a history of bone marrow depression, active liver disease, cardiac, hepatic, or renal disease, glaucoma, or mixed seizure disorders.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks due to potential birth defects. Consult a doctor while breastfeeding and monitor the baby for side effects.
  • Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption as it can enhance drowsiness and dizziness.
  • Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and affect mental focus; avoid driving or operating machines if impaired.
  • Drug Interactions: Carbamazepine can interact with many medicines, including certain antibiotics, antifungals, heart medications, anti-HIV medicines, other anti-epileptics, and oral hormonal contraceptives (potentially reducing their effectiveness). Always inform your doctor about all ongoing medications.
  • Monitoring: Regular blood tests may be advised to monitor blood cell counts and liver function.

• Storage:

  • Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.
  • Keep the container firmly closed to prevent exposure to air and moisture.

TEGRITAL 100 MG TABLET (10 TAB) by NOVARTIS INDIA LIMITED contains the active ingredient carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing medication.

What is Tegretol 100 mg used for?

Tegretol 100 mg is primarily used to treat certain types of epileptic seizures, including partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is also prescribed for nerve pain, particularly trigeminal neuralgia and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. In some cases, it may be used for acute mania and the maintenance treatment of bipolar affective disorders to prevent or reduce recurrence.

How does Tegretol 100 mg work?

Tegretol (carbamazepine) works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It stabilizes nerve cell membranes by limiting the influx of sodium ions across the cell membrane, which helps to prevent seizures and alleviate nerve pain. It also has mood-stabilizing effects.

What is the usual dosage for Tegretol 100 mg?

The dosage of Tegretol varies depending on the condition being treated, the patient's age, and individual response, and is typically increased gradually. For adults and children over 12 years with epilepsy, initial doses for tablets may start at 200 mg twice daily, with a usual maintenance dose of 800-1200 mg daily. For trigeminal neuralgia, an initial dose of 100 mg twice daily is often recommended, slowly increasing until pain relief is achieved, with most patients maintained on 400-800 mg daily. It's crucial to follow your doctor's specific instructions, as starting with lower doses and increasing slowly helps avoid side effects.

What are the possible side effects of Tegretol 100 mg?

Common side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of coordination. More serious side effects, though rare, can occur. These include severe skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), especially in individuals of Asian ancestry who carry the HLA-B*1502 allele. Other serious effects can involve blood problems (e.g., low white blood cells, low platelets, aplastic anemia), liver problems, and changes in mood or behavior, including suicidal thoughts. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, fever, sore throat, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or significant mood changes.

Is Tegretol 100 mg safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Tegretol can pose risks during pregnancy, including an increased chance of certain birth abnormalities such as spina bifida and cleft palate. However, uncontrolled seizures can also be dangerous for both mother and baby, so it's generally recommended to continue treatment if needed, under close medical supervision. Folic acid supplements may be advised. Carbamazepine, the active ingredient, passes into breast milk in small amounts. Most breastfed infants do not experience adverse effects, but monitoring for drowsiness, rash, or poor weight gain is recommended. Discuss breastfeeding with your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks. Note that hormonal birth control may be less effective when taken with Tegretol, and alternative or additional contraception may be needed.

Can Tegretol 100 mg be taken with other medications?

Tegretol has numerous significant drug interactions. It can affect the blood levels and effectiveness of many other medications, including oral contraceptives, blood thinners (like warfarin), certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and medications for heart conditions. Conversely, some medications, such as certain antibiotics, antifungals, and antidepressants, can increase Tegretol levels, potentially leading to increased side effects. Concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) is contraindicated, and MAOIs should be discontinued for at least 14 days before starting Tegretol. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while on Tegretol 100 mg?

Do not stop taking Tegretol suddenly, as this can lead to increased seizures or worsening of your condition. Regular blood tests are often required to monitor blood cell counts, liver function, and carbamazepine levels. Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice, as it can increase carbamazepine levels and lead to unwanted side effects. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects. Tegretol can cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impaired coordination, so exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Protect your skin from the sun, as this medicine can make you more sensitive to sunburn.

What happens if a dose of Tegretol 100 mg 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 (typically within 2-3 hours), 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 Tegretol 100 mg be stored?

Store Tegretol 100 mg tablets at room temperature, generally not above 30°C (86°F). Keep the medication away from moisture, heat, and direct light. It should be kept in a tight, light-resistant container and out of the reach of children.