Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Oxcarbazepine oral

Oxcarbazepine oral Drug Category OXCARBAZEPINE SUSPENSION - ORAL

Oxcarbazepine oral Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. OXCARBAZEPINE SUSPENSION - ORAL (ox-kar-BAY-zih-peen) COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Trileptal USES: This medication is used to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy). It may be used with other seizure medications as determined by your doctor. HOW TO USE: Shake the bottle well before each dose. Measure each dose carefully with the provided oral dosing syringe. Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily, or as directed by your doctor. This drug may be taken with or without food. The suspension may be swallowed directly from the oral syringe or mixed in a small glass of water. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It is important to take all doses on time to keep the level of medication in your blood constant. Take doses at evenly spaced intervals. Do not skip doses. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctor's approval since seizures may reoccur. Notify your doctor if seizure control worsens. SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, rash, headache, trouble sleeping, acne, dry mouth, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these serious side effects: double vision, change in vision, involuntary eye movements, difficulty speaking, loss of coordination, trouble walking (abnormal gait), uncontrolled muscle movements (tremor), dulled sense of touch, stomach pain. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these unlikely but serious side effects: chest pain, mental/mood changes, bloody stool. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, including: any allergies (especially to carbamazepine), kidney disease, decreased sodium blood levels (hyponatremia), recent seizures. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Oxcarbazepine is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to potential fetal harm. Consult your doctor for more details. This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other seizure control medication (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproic acid), calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil, felodipine). This medication may decrease the effectiveness of combination-type birth control pills. You may need to use an additional form of reliable birth control while using this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that make you drowsy, such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., hydrocodone, codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. NOTES: It is recommended you wear or carry identification indicating you are using this drug. Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., sodium levels, pregnancy tests) may be performed to monitor your therapy. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in the original container away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 - 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Discard any unused medication after 7 weeks. MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).