How is Oxcarbazepine dosed?
The dosage of oxcarbazepine varies depending on the patient's age, medical condition, and other medications being taken. Here is an overview of the general dosing information:
- For seizures:
- Adults: The initial dose is 600 mg once a day for 1 week. The dose may be adjusted as needed, but it is usually not more than 2400 mg per day.
- Older adults: The initial dose is 300 or 450 mg once a day. The dose may be adjusted as needed.
- Children 6 to 16 years of age: The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor. The starting dose is 8 to 10 mg per kilogram of body weight per day as a single dose. The dose may be adjusted as needed, but it is usually not more than 1800 mg per day.
- Children younger than 6 years of age: Use is not recommended.
- For patients switching from another medicine to oxcarbazepine:
- Adults and children 17 years of age and older: The initial dose is 300 mg twice a day. The dose may be adjusted as needed, but it is usually not more than 2400 mg per day.
- Children younger than 6 years of age: Use is not recommended.
- For oral dosage forms (suspension and tablets):
- For seizures:
- Adults and children 17 years of age and older: The initial dose is 300 mg twice a day. The dose may be adjusted as needed, but it is usually not more than 1200 mg per day.
- Children 4 to 16 years of age: The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by the doctor. The starting dose is 8 to 10 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, divided into
- For seizures:
What is the dosage form of Oxcarbazepine?
Oxcarbazepine is available in various dosage forms such as tablets, extended-release tablets, and suspensions.
What medications are contraindication with Oxcarbazepine?
Oxcarbazepine may interact with certain medications, including oral contraceptives containing estrogen, ethinyl estradiol, levonorgestrel, or progestin, contraceptive progestin injections, and contraceptive implant forms of progestin. It is advised to use alternative or additional means of birth control while taking oxcarbazepine. Please consult your doctor for further guidance.
How is Oxcarbazepine administered?
Oxcarbazepine can be administered by swallowing the medicine directly from the syringe or mixing it with a small glass of water before taking it. The dosing instructions depend on the strength of the medicine, the patient's age, body weight, medical condition, and other factors. It is important to follow the doctor's orders or the directions on the label.
What are common precautions when taking Oxcarbazepine?
Common precautions when taking oxcarbazepine include:
- Dosage adjustment for elderly patients due to age-related kidney problems.
- Monitoring kidney function, especially in elderly patients.
- Consultation with a healthcare professional before taking oxcarbazepine during pregnancy, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Informing the doctor about all the medications being taken to avoid interactions.
- Avoiding driving or operating machinery until the effects of oxcarbazepine are known.
- Avoiding alcohol or marijuana consumption while taking oxcarbazepine.
- Consulting the doctor before making any changes to the dosage or treatment plan.