Eslicarbazepine Acetate

Anti-epileptic · Anticonvulsant

Indications

Monotherapy of focal seizures with or without secondary generalization. Adjunctive therapy of focal seizures with or without secondary generalization.

Dosage

Monotherapy of focal seizures with or without secondary generalization: Adults: Initially 400 mg once daily for 1-2 wks, then increased to 800 mg once daily, then increased if necessary to 1.2 gm once daily (max per dose 1.6 gm). Elderly: Initially 400 mg once daily for 1-2 wks, then increased to 800 mg once daily (max per dose 1.2 gm). Adjunctive therapy of focal seizures with or without secondary generalization: Adults: Initially 400 mg once daily for 1-2 wks, then increased to 800 mg once daily (max per dose 1.2 gm). Children: To be given once daily. 4-18 yrs: Body wt. 11-21 kg: Initial: 200 mg/day. Maintenance: 400-600 mg/day. 22-31 kg: Initial: 300 mg/day. Maintenance: 500-800 mg/day. 32-38 kg: Initial: 300 mg/day. Maintenance: 600-900 mg/day. >38 kg: Initial: 400 mg/day. Maintenance: 800-1200 mg/day. <4 yrs: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Headache, fatigue, ataxia, balance disorder, abnormal gait, disturbed attention, tremor, visual disturbances, dizziness, vertigo, somnolence, imsomnia, hyponatraemia, anorexia, GI upset, rash, asthenia, agitation.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Positive evidence of risk: Use only when no safer alternative exists for a serious problem. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Severe hepatic or renal impairment (CrCl <30ml/min). 2nd or 3rd degree AV block. Precautions: Moderate renal impairment (CrCl 30—60ml/min). Mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Screen for HLA-B* 1502 in individuals of Han Chinese or Thai origin (consider in other Asian populations) before treatment initiation due to increased risk of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Conditions associated with prolonged PR interval (eg, hypothyroidism, cardiac conduction abnormalities). Monitor serum sodium before and during treatment in patients with risk factors for hyponatraemia, discontinue if clinically relevant hyponatraemia develops. Risk of severe skin reactions; advise patients to report symptoms and discontinue if occur. Monitor…

Interactions

Oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine, phenytoin, lamotrigine, hormonal contraceptives, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, warfarin, MAOIs, substrates of CYP3A4 or CYP2C19, drugs that increase PR interval.

Advice to Patient

Due to increased risk of dizziness, be cautious while doing tasks that require mental alertness such as driving and operating machinery. Report if any mood changes occur or suicidal thoughts develop. Females of childbearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and after treatment has been discontinued for at least one menstrual cycle. Report skin reaction, rash, fever, swelling of the face/lips/eyes/tongue, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, nausea, tiredness, lack of energy, irritability, confusion, muscle weakness/spasms, seizures.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: 90%. Half-life elimination: 13-20 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 1-4 hrs. Excretion: Urine >90%.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.